They can retain players through direct retention or the Right to Match option. A maximum of two uncapped players can be retained according to the new rules. In the last IPL, the performance of the five-time champions was shambolic; with only four wins in fourteen matches, they ended at the bottom of the league. Yet MI would certainly try to retain the core of the team intact. MI always maintained a core Indian team across the seasons and their gameplans revolved around them. However, Rohit Sharma may not be retained in this season, but it is very unlikely that it would affect that much to MI. These core players not only provide the much-required balance in the batting, bowling and fielding of the team but also would be valuable for their on-field decision-making and vast experiences in international cricket. Mumbai Indians: Three Key Players Who Might Be Retained Jasprit Bumrah Currently one of the best fast bowlers in the world and arguably the best in the T20 format. His impeccable accuracy with variations makes him unplayable in the slog overs, and he is a great weapon for any bowling squad. So, it is a no-brainer that Bumrah will be retained.

 Hardik Pandya

Despite his dismal start as the MI captain, he is a crucial part of the MI middle order. His all-round performance in the last T20 World Cup was a small glimpse of what this player can deliver on the field. Pandya plays a pivotal role in lower-order batting and bowling in crucial overs. Suryakumar Yadav A perfect candidate for modern T20 batting, is also a prominent figure in MI's batting order. Along with his batting skills, his experiences of captaincy at international and domestic levels will be another plus point for MI. Due to his ability to adapt in various situations, MI got the required flexibility in their batting order.

Uncapped Players Retention These three are expected to be the three main retentions by MI in this mega-auction. But along with these stalwarts MI can retain one from their pool of talented uncapped players. In that case, Nehal Wadhera or Naman Dhir would be the best option for MI to retain.