IPL 2018: Three experienced players Mumbai Indians might let go of this year

At every auction, the Mumbai Indians have managed to keep the core of their squad intact through clever retention and use of RTM cards. At the 2014 auction, Mumbai Indians retained Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu and Lasith Malinga and used the RTM card to get back Pragyan Ojha.

Times have changed though, and with the emergence of players like Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, some of these players might find it difficult to secure a place in the squad in this edition of the IPL.

Here are three players who might miss out this year:

#3 Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu has featured for the Mumbai Indians ever since IPL 3 and has been an integral part of the squad. But, since Mumbai have already retained three capped Indian players - Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah - the RTM card cannot be used to buy him back.

He might still fetch a big amount in the auction considering his experience and recent domestic form, but his chances of playing for Mumbai Indians are slim.

#2 Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh has been one of Mumbai's most consistent players, even leading the side in several seasons. Under his captaincy, Mumbai were crowned the winners of the Champions League T20 in 2011.

The 37-year-old has been a consistent performer throughout his IPL career, but Mumbai Indians have opted to retain younger players this time, bar Rohit Sharma. Harbhajan still has a lot to offer and will surely find another buyer, but his association with Mumbai Indians might have come to an end.

#1 Lasith Malinga

Malinga is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history and has been the face of Mumbai Indians since the inception of the IPL. His devastating yorkers have given nightmares to the opposition, but, unfortunately, Malinga's accuracy has decreased with age.

He has become far too predictable and with the number of options available, Mumbai Indians might look for other fast bowlers. It might get worse for the Sri Lankan seamer as he might not get an IPL contract at all, with teams likely to choose players on the basis of their current form. Arguably the best bowler in IPL history, Malinga's future hangs in the balance.