3 players Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians might target in IPL 2021 trading window

Defending Champions Mumbai Indians (MI) made some automatic releases ahead of IPL 2021 auction and none of the releases really surprised their fans. They offloaded four overseas pacers, one all-rounder and two uncapped players.

Despite the releases, the Rohit Sharma-led side has almost every area covered and only need backups. They will have an opportunity to complete their squad at the IPL 2021 auction and during the trading window, which closes on February 11. It will once again open after the auction. Before the IPL 2021 auction, we have a look at 3 players MI might target in IPL 2021 trading window –

Mayank Markande

An unknown name before the start of IPL 2018, Mayank Markande became the talk of the town by the end of the season. He went on to play for India A and was a capped player before the start of the next IPL season. However, MI moved on from him in IPL 2019 and traded him to Delhi Capitals (DC) – for Sherfane Rutherford – after the season. DC further traded him to Rajasthan Royals.

Now that MI have released Rutherford, they might go back to their former spinner who can be Chahar’s backup. The five-time IPL Champions do need a leg-spinner and might go for Markande, who spent 2 seasons with MI.

Lockie Ferguson

MI need at least two overseas pacers for the next IPL season and they might enquire about Kolkata Knight Riders’ Lockie Ferguson. Included in the playing XI a month after the start of the league, Ferguson emerged as the surprise package and scalped 3 wickets right in his first outing.

He finished the season with 6 wickets from 5 matches and was retained by KKR. MI might ask for Ferguson in case they are ready to trade a player to KKR, who also lag on some fronts ahead of the next season.

Chris Woakes

DC made a big call on the retention day and decided against releasing Chris Woakes, who missed IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. This hints that the team management has big plans for him. But what if they get Chris Lynn from MI in exchange?

MI might be ready to trade Lynn in case they get Woakes. A complete package on the field, Woakes can bowl with the new ball and can also score vital runs. His all-round skills saw him get retained by DC, who lacked a consistent opener who could support Shikhar Dhawan.

Should they get Lynn, DC might be ready to trade Woakes.