IPL 2026: 3 released MI players who could trigger a bidding war between RCB and CSK at auction

With the Mumbai Indians confirming their list of released players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, a few names are already generating eyeballs in the market. Despite limited chances last season, some of these players showed enough brilliance to draw attention from teams looking to fill specific gaps.

With Mumbai entering the auction with the lowest purse of only INR 2.75 crore, they are unlikely to aggressively compete for re-signing these players, opening the door for other franchises to step in. The released MI group can trigger a bidding war. Given the upcoming auction dynamics, these players could attract strong offers from teams with healthy purses, especially from rivals like the Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, respectively.

Here are 3 released MI players who could trigger bidding war between RCB and CSK at IPL 2026 auction

3. Vignesh Puthur

Vignesh Puthur. (Photo Source - Twitter/X)

Despite a decent debut season, the five-time winners, have released young left-arm wrist spinner, Vignesh Puthur. The Kerala-born, discovered through MI's extensive scouting network after impressing in local leagues, made an immediate impact in IPL 2025, dismissing big names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda on debut. He finished the season with six wickets at a decent economy rate, too.

However, constant shin injuries halted his progress, ruling him out of most of the 2025 season and limiting his game time in the Kerala Cricket League. MI released him mainly due to his ongoing rehabilitation, but continues to support his recovery. Even so, his rare skill set could attract strong interest at the auction. CSK and RCB both are in the hunt for skilled spinners, and they good take this opportunity to acquire the youngster.