Mumbai Indians targets for the IPL 2026 auction are shaped almost entirely by their budget constraints. With only ₹2.75 crore remaining and one overseas slot available, MI do not have the luxury of chasing big names from the shortlist of 350 players. Their first-choice XI is already set, most squad roles are covered through trades, and the franchise’s biggest remaining gaps revolve around backup wicketkeeping and, to a smaller extent, backup opening options.
Given the limited purse, MI targets are expected to come mainly from the uncapped Indian pool. Mumbai have historically unearthed players through this route, and their scouting network has already shortlisted a few names. At the same time, the team may still consider one wildcard overseas pick, a trend they follow every auction, but even that will depend on how much money they save after addressing the wicketkeeper slot.
4 Wicketkeepers in Mumbai Indians targets
Below are the four wicketkeepers who stand out as the most realistic Mumbai Indians targets at the IPL 2026 auction, considering budget, team combination and franchise scouting patterns.
Tushar Raheja – The Budget-Friendly Domestic Opener
One of the most practical Mumbai Indians targets is Tushar Raheja, who topped the TNPL 2025 run charts and offers MI two solutions in one: a domestic wicketkeeper and a top-order option. Raheja is expected to come at an affordable price, making him a perfect fit for a franchise operating with one of the smallest purses in the auction.
MI liked what Bairstow offered as a temporary replacement last season, but they know they cannot spend big for a backup. Raheja allows MI to preserve their overseas slot while strengthening bench depth. If Rickelton’s form dips again, Raheja gives them a dependable Indian option who can bat in the top three.
Mukul Choudhary – The Rising Star and Strong MI Target Player for 2026
Among the MI target players 2026, Mukul Choudhary features prominently. The 21-year-old has risen sharply across domestic cricket, including a blistering 62 off 26 balls in SMAT 2025 and a massive season in the U23 State A Trophy where he scored 617 runs at an average of 102.83.
Choudhary attended Mumbai Indians trials, which is a strong indicator that he is already on their internal scouting list. With impressive glovework and the ability to bat anywhere from No. 4 to No. 7, he fits MI’s long-term profile. He also solves a structural issue: MI’s desire for an Indian keeper who does not disturb their overseas combination of Rickelton, Boult, Santner and another all-rounder.
Given his likely modest price tag, Choudhary is one of the most realistic Mumbai Indians targets this year ahead of his Rajasthan state teammate Kartik Sharma.
Jonny Bairstow – Overseas Safety Net If MI Spend Big
Even with limited funds, Jonny Bairstow cannot be ignored among Mumbai Indians targets. His base price is likely to be around ₹1 crore, and MI know exactly what he brings. His impact last season — 85 runs at a strike rate of 185 in just two games — showcased the high-tempo top-order hitting they missed across the group stage.
The only reason MI may hesitate is budget. They would need to commit a large chunk of their purse to secure Bairstow, leaving little room for contingency picks and even then it may not be enough. However, if the market cools and Bairstow goes unsold early, MI could pounce in the accelerated rounds. Historically, this is how their “smart value buys” often emerge.
He remains an outside but realistic MI target player for 2026, especially if they prioritise experience over long-term domestic development.
Ben Duckett – Left-Hand Option and a True MI Targets-Style Pick
Ben Duckett fits the profile of a classic Mumbai Indians targets wildcard: under-exposed in the IPL, tactically versatile, left-handed, and excellent against spin. His T20 strike-rate of 156 since 2024 makes him valuable as a floating batter who can complement Rohit or step in as a middle-order option.
Duckett’s base price is manageable, and MI’s scouting team has consistently shown interest in adaptable overseas batters who can cover multiple roles. The drawback? Signing Duckett uses up MI’s only overseas slot, leaving no room for the franchise’s traditional “mystery South Africa pick.” Still, he remains a strong analytical fit.
Why MI May Still Add One Wildcard Overseas Player Later
Even after focusing on wicketkeepers, MI targets could include one lesser-known overseas name — their trademark strategy. Players such as Tristan Luus (MI Cape Town, MLC) or Delano Potgieter fit their scouting history, but MI are unlikely to pursue them unless they solve the wicketkeeper gap first and still have funds left.
