After a series of missteps in the last three auctions, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have emerged from the IPL 2025 mega auction with arguably one of the strongest squads in the competition.
The five-time IPL champions, who last lifted the trophy in 2020, have faced consistent challenges over the past four seasons. Injuries to key players and a lack of dependable match-winners saw them reach the playoffs only once during this period. Their struggles culminated in disappointing bottom-placed finishes in IPL 2024 and IPL 2022.
1. Deepak Chahar
A reliable pace-bowling all-rounder, Deepak Chahar was a vital cog in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lineup from 2018 to 2024, playing a key role in their three IPL title wins during this period. Across 81 IPL matches, Chahar has claimed 77 wickets, with an impressive 58 of them coming during the powerplay.
At the IPL 2025 auction, Chahar was acquired by Mumbai Indians for a hefty INR 9.25 crores. CSK made a bid to retain him but eventually bowed out. Mumbai’s plan is to pair Chahar with Trent Boult in the powerplay, allowing skipper Hardik Pandya to strategically utilize Jasprit Bumrah’s overs in the later stages of the innings.
2. Mitchell Santner
New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, a left-arm spinner known for his precision and control, has been part of the IPL since 2018, spending his entire career thus far with CSK. However, Santner will now switch to Mumbai Indians, who acquired him at his base price of INR 2 crores in the IPL 2025 auction.
Limited opportunities in CSK’s playing XI—owing to Ravindra Jadeja’s presence—did not deter Santner from making an impact. In 18 matches, he picked up 15 wickets with a remarkable economy rate of 6.91.
Mumbai Indians, who struggled with their spin department in recent seasons, see Santner as a key addition to bolster their bowling attack, especially in curbing the opposition’s run flow.
3. Karn Sharma
A seasoned IPL campaigner, leg-spinner Karn Sharma has the distinction of winning IPL titles with multiple teams—CSK (2018, 2021), MI (2017), and SRH (2016). After a two-year stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Karn was bought by Mumbai Indians for INR 50 lakhs at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
In his IPL career spanning 84 matches, Karn has taken 76 wickets. With his wealth of experience and knack for performing in high-pressure situations, Karn will add depth and versatility to Mumbai’s spin department.