Mumbai Indians acquired three crucial players during the transfer window. With the retention and release list out, the focus of attention will now shift to the auctions.

Director of Cricket Operations, Zaheer Khan was pleased with the new picks but expressed his concerns with regards to the injuries to some key players. He highlighted that the likes of Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and the recently released Jason Behrendorff have been out of action for a while.

“The core of the team is very stable and experienced. It's going to be a different one this year because we have had some challenges in terms of injuries,” he told mumbaiindians.com.

“Hardik Pandya to start with, had a back surgery, Bumrah has been out of action with a few back issues and Jason Behrendorff has also undergone back surgery, so that was one of the concerns.”

Alongside Sherfane Rutherford, Mumbai Indians roped in pacers Trent Boult and Dhawal Kulkarni into the squad for the 2020 season. Zaheer stated that the move was made keeping the injuries in mind.

“The trades were a reflection of exactly what was the planning for the upcoming season. We felt that we'll need some kind of strength around the bowling department and hence, the trades with Delhi and Rajasthan.”

Not only Zaheer but the Paltan also responded to this move and expressed their happiness, welcoming the two pacers to MI’s One Family.

With the IPL Auction approaching, Zaheer told that the team management will also have an eye on players released by other franchisees.

“The release list is out so we'll have to keep an eye on which are the players released from the other team as well, what are the options. So yes, that process should start very soon now.”

With the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy going on in full swing and the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy, Zaheer asserted that Mumbai has always been keen on spotting talent in the domestic circuit. However, he also spoke about the mega auction after next year’s IPL which would call for a different planning.

“It has been the trend with MI in terms of going for and spotting domestic talent. But this is going to be the end of cycle as well. This is the third year, the IPL dynamics in terms of big auctions work differently. So there is going to be more thinking in terms of what direction we should be going but it's pretty premature at this stage.”

The IPL Auction will be taking place in Kolkata on the 19th of December. Mumbai Indians have a purse of Rs 13.05 CRs remaining.