S Badrinath, the former Chennai Super Kings player, revealed Mumbai Indians’ retained and released players before the IPL 2027 auction, scheduled for December 16, 2026.
Badrinath released India star Deepak Chahar, who played just eight matches in IPL 2026, picking up eight wickets at an average of 33.12 and an economy rate of 10.39, for a fee of ₹9.25 crore.
He retained pacer Trent Boult, despite a poor 2026 season, and all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who was Mumbai Indians’ second joint-highest wicket-taker last season with 12 scalps.
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Badrinath also released spinner Mayank Markande, who played just three matches and failed to grab a single wicket, and retained spinner Allah Ghazanfar and hard-hitter Sherfane Rutherford.
Ghazanfar was Mumbai Indians’ leading wicket-taker last season with 15 scalps. Mumbai Indians had a disappointing season, finishing ninth with just four wins from 14 matches.
Badrinath praised the trade, stating that Hardik Pandya is the biggest all-rounder in the world for Punjab Kings, and Arshdeep is probably among the best death bowlers in India right now. Hardik Pandya joined Punjab Kings at a revised fee of ₹18 crore, while Arshdeep joined Mumbai Indians at his existing fee of ₹18 crore. The move is particularly significant for Mumbai Indians, as Arshdeep’s ability to bowl well in death overs will be a major asset, and his experience playing for the Indian team will bring a new level of expertise to the team.
