MI's IPL 2026 Auction: Strategy, Purse & Top Backup Targets

• Mumbai Indians reached Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025, but did not win the title.
• MI's squad is strong, led by Hardik Pandya, with key players like Bumrah, Rohit, Suryakumar, and Tilak Varma.
• They have a limited purse of Rs 2.75 crore and 5 slots (1 overseas) remaining for the IPL 2026 auction.
• MI is primarily seeking backups, including a wicket-keeper, an Indian top-order batter, and a left-arm pacer.
• Potential targets include Jonny Bairstow, Jordan Cox, Atharva Taide, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, and Chetan Sakariya.

Why It Matters: MI's auction strategy reveals their plan to secure a sixth IPL title.