At Mumbai Indians, every squad decision begins with one question: does this strengthen our structure? Not just for one game, but across a long, demanding season where roles change, conditions shift, and adaptability becomes the real differentiator.

That clarity guided MI’s move to build the 2026 IPL Squad. Let’s talk about the retentions and the trades. 

“It gives us a different structure, a versatile player, skill set, experience, gives us a good depth in our squad,” Mahela Jayawardene explains, outlining why Shardul Thakur stood out when his name appeared on the released list. “I think that is the main reason for us to go for Shardul when we realised he was getting released.”

For MI, versatility isn’t a buzzword, it’s a necessity. Shardul’s ability to influence games in multiple phases fits naturally into a side that values flexibility as much as talent. And then there’s the emotional layer, one that unfolded organically.

“Him being a Mumbai boy as well, I think he’s quite happy to be part of the team,” Mahela adds. “I saw it in the socials later on, I did not know before that,” on knowing about his role as a net bowler.

It’s a detail that quietly completes the arc. “It’s a great story where he started and then for him to be part of Mumbai,” Mahela reflects. “I’m sure he would have wanted to be part of Mumbai at one point and that’s what IPL is.”

The same thinking extends beyond one signing. Strengthening specific areas, without disturbing the core, has always been central to MI’s planning. That’s where Sherfane Rutherford comes in.

“We’ve always felt that he was a great talent,” Mahela says. “When he was available, we just felt that that was another area which we needed to strengthen, an overseas power hitter.”

A left-hander with power, Sherfane adds tactical depth. “We have quite a few, but it just gives us that flexibility and a lefty as well,” Mahela notes, small adjustments that can change match-ups and game plans.

Familiarity, too, carries weight. Mayank’s return is rooted in trust built over time. “We’ve always known that Mayank loves MI, the way he bowls, how he plays in Wankhede,” Mahela says. “He’s a great asset to have and he’s now played quite a bit of cricket.”

That sense of continuity is deliberate. “Why we bring players back is they’ve made an impact in our squad,” Mahela explains. Even when auctions force tough calls, MI never stops tracking its own. “We will always keep an eye on them, their progress and whenever the opportunity arises… we will always try and bring back guys who’ve been part of MI, who understand MI.”

Understanding roles is crucial in a side where responsibilities shift often. “Different guys played different roles for us,” Mahela says, underlining a long-held MI belief, flexibility backed by clarity.

Opposition teams plan extensively to counter MI’s batting strength, and MI plans accordingly. “We have to understand what teams are doing, how their lineups are set up, how their bowling attacks are set up against our batting lineup,” he explains. “When we can clearly see that, we have to make those moves and the players understand that.”

Looking ahead, excitement surrounds a new dimension in the squad. “It’s very exciting to have Allah Ghazanfar in our setup,” Mahela says. “We knew the talent, we knew what he would bring.”

Though injuries delayed his arrival last season, MI stayed patient. “We’ve seen him gradually after the injury, he’s come back,” Mahela notes. “With the amount of cricket that he’s played, he looks pretty solid and we just need for him to evolve and improve.”

There’s also anticipation around what he represents. “Something that we’ve never had in the recent past,” Mahela points out, “a mystery spinner in our lineup. So we’re looking forward to having that.”

That’s how MI continues to build. Thoughtfully. Patiently. And with purpose.