IPL Auction 2025: Aakash Chopra predicts target buys for Mumbai Indians

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaches, Mumbai Indians (MI) head into the event with one of the most formidable cores in the competition. The five-time IPL champions have successfully retained their four key Indian international stars—Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rohit Sharma—solidifying their squad's foundation ahead of the auction. These stalwarts are integral to MI's success, and their continued presence gives the team a strong base to build upon for the upcoming season. However, despite this strong core, MI faces a significant challenge in the form of a comparatively low budget of Rs 45 crore for the auction. With limited financial flexibility, the franchise will need to make strategic decisions and focus on areas where they can bolster the squad effectively. One key area of focus could be strengthening their spin department, which is crucial in the IPL's ever-evolving dynamics.

Yuzvendra Chahal to be picked by Mumbai Indians in the IPL auction 2025?

Former India cricketer and pundit Aakash Chopra has suggested that Mumbai Indians could aggressively bid for an Indian spinner at the auction, given the importance of quality spin options in the middle overs, especially on varying pitches. The decision to target a quality spinner would not only add depth to MI's bowling attack but also help balance the team, as they look to add complementary players around their established stars. With the mega auction offering a unique opportunity to reshape their squad, MI will need to make every rupee count in securing the right talent for the 2025 season.

"Given their retentions, Mumbai Indians may end up having an entire Indian batting lineup and an entire overseas bowling lineup, apart from a couple of Indian spinners. Whether they get him or not, they will definitely go after Yuzvendra Chahal. They may also want to look at Washington Sundar," said former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel.

In a surprising turn of events, Rajasthan Royals (RR) opted not to retain their star leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Chahal, the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, remains the only bowler to have claimed more than 200 wickets in the tournament’s history. His consistency has been remarkable, as he has picked up 18 or more wickets in each of the last six IPL seasons, showcasing his ability to perform year after year. Despite his impressive record and pivotal role in RR's bowling attack, Chahal was left out, making him one of the most sought-after players at the upcoming auction.

In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad faced a different dilemma. Their strong, power-packed lineup from the 2024 season meant that some tough decisions had to be made. One such casualty was Washington Sundar, who was released ahead of the auction. Although he didn't always feature prominently in SRH's plans, Sundar's recent performances for Team India in both T20Is and Test cricket have been exceptional. His impressive all-round skills, particularly his ability to deliver in key moments with the ball and bat, have made him a valuable asset for India. Given his rising stature in international cricket, Sundar is expected to attract a high bid in the IPL 2025 auction, with teams looking to bolster their squads with his versatility and experience.

Aakash Chopra also mentioned that while he believes Mumbai Indians might target Ishan Kishan in the IPL auction 2025, the 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter could potentially be beyond their budget. Given MI's relatively low auction budget of Rs 45 crore, securing a player like Kishan, who has been in strong form for both Mumbai Indians and the Indian national team, may not be financially feasible. Kishan, with his explosive batting and solid wicketkeeping skills, has proven to be a valuable asset in the IPL, and his price tag could escalate quickly in the auction.

Instead, Chopra suggested that MI might look at more budget-friendly alternatives who could provide similar value. While Kishan remains a top priority for many franchises, Mumbai could explore options that fit better within their financial constraints while still strengthening their squad in crucial areas. With limited resources, Mumbai will need to focus on smart acquisitions, balancing their star-studded core with complementary players who can make an impact. Chopra's insight reflects the challenge MI faces in building a well-rounded team, considering both their retained stars and the financial limitations of the auction.

"They'll need a wicket-keeper batter. Maybe they go towards Quinton de Kock, or perhaps Jitesh Sharma or perhaps Phil Salt. They will need an overseas opener and wicket-keeper batter. Jitesh does not fit that completely, but he is an Indian," Chopra concluded.