“Is Shami an upgrade for Deepak Chahar?” - Former India cricketer on Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 auction plan

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra outlined the IPL 2026 auction plan for the Mumbai Indians (MI). He believed that the five-time champions must not release any player ahead of the mini auction.

While he pondered upon Deepak Chahar being released, he reckoned that they would be unlikely to find better options at the IPL 2026 auction. He added that MI could look at Mohammad Shami if SRH released him. However, he was not convinced by the idea of releasing Chahar and replacing him with Shami.

"I don't think MI should release anyone. They will not get good Indian pace options in the mini auction anyway. Maybe they get Shami, but is Shami an upgrade for Deepak Chahar? There is no use in releasing anyone for them. They might be the most inactive franchise in the auction this time," he said on '2 Sloggers' YouTube channel.

Deepak Chahar played 14 matches and bagged 11 wickets in IPL 2025. However, with Shami being 35 already, it would make no sense for MI to release a young pacer.

Further, Aakash Chopra also spoke about the plans for Punjab Kings (PBKS) head of the IPL 2026 auction. He opined that PBKS must not release all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and urged the franchise to make better use of him. Chopra reckoned that Punjab would have to try and strengthen their bowling attack a bit more.

"PBKS should not release Stoinis. They can make better use of him. He is a good player. I dont think you will get a replacement for him. It does not make sense to release Stoinis. But they do need bowlers. I think there is some over-dependence on Chahal and Arshdeep. They figured out somehow last year but they do have to strengthen the bowling. They should not leave Lockie Ferguson or Maxwell also," he stated.

PBKS played the IPL 2025 final. Unfortunately for them, they lost to eventual champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

---

Aakash Chopra reflects on GT's plans ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Aakash Chopra also touched upon the Gujarat Titans' (GT) plans ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. He believed that South African pacer Kagiso Rabada could be their only possible release, as he was expensive. Rabada was acquired for ₹10.75 crore. However, he was unsure if they would let go of the Proteas pacer.

The former batter also reckoned that they would retain New Zealand star Glenn Phillips. He did not get an opportunity last season and was later ruled out due to an injury he picked up while fielding as a substitute.

"Rabada is maybe the one name for GT because he was expensive. But they might not leave him too and could be another of those inactive teams who will just attend the auction. I think there is an issue in Glenn Phillips' fate. SRH also did not play him and even GT did not give him chances. He is very good that they will not release him but not good enough to play him," he said.

GT qualified for the playoffs last season. However, they lost the Eliminator against MI and crashed out of the tournament. They have won the title once in 2022.

Edited by Rishab Vm