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Matthew Hayden and Subramaniam Badrinath suggest MI release Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, while Aaron Finch recommends KKR release Venkatesh Iyer due to high price tags.
Mumbai Indians finished IPL 2025 at the fourth spot. (BCCI Photo)
The deadline for IPL franchises to announce their retentions is less than a week away now, and the rumors about which players each team would release are picking up.
One quite an interesting team to look at is the Mumbai Indians, with the five-time champions looking to end their run of sub-par seasons and get close to a record sixth title again. They have always had an excellent world-class Indian core, but the performances of those around him have been inconsistent.
Finding the right balance for it would be key, and it would have to start by releasing the right players. Speaking on JioStar’s TATA IPL 2026 ‘Retention Preview’, former Australia captain Matthew Hayden advocated releasing a fan-favorite, Trent Boult.
“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 his 12.5 crore price tag, the management might consider releasing him to potentially 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,” he said.
Former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath also added Deepak Chahar’s name to it.
“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.”
Chahar managed 11 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 34.18 last season. Releasing him would free up Rs. 9.25 crore, with which Boult’s price of Rs. 12.50 will make a good Rs. 21.75 crore space.
‘Venkatesh Iyer’s inconsistent role and high price tag don’t align’: Aaron Finch
Meanwhile, former Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders player Aaron Finch asked for Venkatesh Iyer to be released. Re-signed at a whopping Rs. 23.75 crore last season, Iyer wasn’t needed with the ball and asked to bat in the middle-order (not his best position) a lot, before being dropped mid-season/
“Paying 23.75 crore is too high for a player like Venkatesh Iyer, who has been used out of position as a middle-order batter without utilising his bowling,” Finch said. “While Venkatesh Iyer has been a match-winner for KKR, being their top scorer in 2021 and helping them lift the trophy in 2024, his inconsistent role and high price tag don’t align. KKR should consider releasing him to free up funds and potentially buy him back at a more reasonable price that matches his current role in the team.”
November 11, 2025, 19:18 IST
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