'They need to address their back-up players...': Former IPL winner feels Mumbai Indians should release 2 star pacers ahead of auction

With the retention announcement for IPL 2026 right around the corner, former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden feels that the Mumbai Indians (MI) can release the pace duo of Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar to free up some funds before the auction. He suggested this idea so that the franchise can improve their squad depth and back-up options. Hayden, who won the IPL title with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) back in 2010, feels that the Mumbai-based franchise can buy both Boult and Chahar back for cheaper priceslater on.

Notably, MI had signed Boult for a whopping fee of INR 12.5 crore while Chahar had been acquired for INR 9.5 crore. Releasing the two of them will indeed free up a lot of funds for the franchise as they head into the auction that is expected to take place in December.

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"Mumbai Indians have a very balanced playing eleven, but they face some tough decisions. Trent Boult has been exceptional, taking 22 wickets last season and making a strong impact in the powerplay. However, with a 12.5 crore price tag, the management might consider releasing him, potentially allowing them to buy him back at a lower price. This move could free up funds to strengthen other areas of their squad while maintaining their core balance," Hayden said on JioStar's IPL 2026 'Retention Preview'.

"Mumbai Indians are five-time champions for a reason; they have a great mix of young talent. However, they need to address their backup players. If I were in their camp, I would consider releasing two bowlers: Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. Releasing and potentially buying them back could free up funds to strengthen their bench strength with quality backups," he added.

Boult and Chahar's record in IPL 2025

Both Boult and Chahar had been important figures in MI's squad for IPL 2025. While the Kiwi finished the season with 22 wickets, Chahar also racked up 11 scalps in 14 games as the side made it to the playoffs, but got eliminated by the Punjab Kings in the second qualifier.

Other pacers present in MI

MI do have multiple other pace options in the squad including the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Reece Topley, Hardik Pandya and young gun Ashwani Kumar. It remains to be seen if they will take Hayden's advice and release both Boult and Chahar or if they will retain them before the auction.