3 players MI might release ahead of the auctions

Mumbai Indians lifted their fifth IPL title in 2020, becoming only the second team after Chennai Super Kings to defend the trophy.

However, like all other teams, the defending champions have a few holes that they would like to plug before the 2021 edition starts. Teams have been asked to send the list of players they want to retain for the 2021 season by Jan 21, and the auctions are likely to happen on Feb 11.

Ahead of the auctions, here are 3 big names that MI might look to release and get a few better alternatives:

#3 Nathan Coulter-Nile

Nathan Coulter-Nile was in demand ahead of the 2020 auctions, especially among arch-rivals MI and CSK. MI finally pipped CSK and bought Coulter-Nile for a massive ₹8 cr. Going into the tournament, Coulter-Nile was expected to be a regular in the XI, given his knack of wicket-taking as well as power-hitting lower down the order.

But recurring injuries meant he did not start. Fellow Australian James Pattinson grabbed his opportunity and made the most of it, picking up wickets.

Moreover, when Coulter-Nile got his chances in the latter half of the tournament, he proved to be too expensive, sometimes the weakest link in an otherwise splendid bowling attack.

With just 5 wickets in 7 games, he averaged 41.20 with the ball, which is 18.64 more than his career bowling average in IPL. Economy-wise he conceded 0.2 runs more this season than his overall numbers in IPL combined.

With Malinga coming back, the MI think tank might be tempted to release the Aussie and free up some cash so that they can go for better alternatives, or even repurchase him at a lower price.

#2 Saurabh Tiwary

Saurabh Tiwary scored 103 runs at an average of 20.60 and a strike rate of 128.75

The left-hander from Jharkhand, who came into the limelight for his terrific show for Mumbai Indians back in 2010, got a shot at redemption by the franchise for the 2020 season. Playing his first IPL game after 2017, Tiwary top-scored with 42 for MI in the tournament opener against CSK.

He had a decent season with a strike rate of 128.75 and an average of 20.60 with the bat. But the free-flowing strokeplay which defined his game is now not prominent as it used to be.

However, once he got injured and Ishan Kishan grabbed his chances, it was tough for Tiwary to break into an otherwise formidable batting order. With fitness being a major issue, and the power-hitting prowess on a decline, Tiwary might fall out of favor with MI, who will search for better alternatives in the domestic circuit.

Moreover, Tiwary has not been impressive in domestic cricket in recent years too, which makes the case of MI releasing him stronger.

#1 Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn did not get the chance to play a single game in IPL 2020

When Kolkata Knight Riders released Chris Lynn, the expectations were that the Aussie opener will attract huge bids in the auctions. But quite surprisingly the T20 monster from Australia was brought at the base price of 2 cr by Mumbai Indians in the 2020 auctions as a backup opener.

However, courtesy of the immaculate form of Quinton de Kock, Mumbai did not feel the need for Lynn's services and he did not get to play a single game in Mumbai's victorious campaign.

The past couple of years have not been great for Lynn, and his form is a factor that goes against him. He is getting into his groove in the ongoing BBL, but the dashing power hitting has now waned a little. Add to it his recurring injuries, and MI might look to buy someone who has form as well as fitness on his side.