3 best RTM candidates for MI at the IPL 2025 auction ft. Naman Dhir
The Mumbai Indians (MI) had a miserable campaign in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Hardik Pandya's return and subsequent appointment as captain didn't go to plan as the five-time champions finished dead last in the standings.
Nevertheless, Mumbai had a great squad for IPL 2024 and have retained their entire core. Apart from captain Hardik, the franchise have retained Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma.
MI have ₹45 crore to spend at the auction, with one RTM card in their hands. That RTM can be used on an uncapped player, and the new auction rules mean that they have a few options to choose from.
On that note, here are the three best RTM candidates for MI at the IPL 2025 auction.
#3 Anshul Kamboj
Fast bowlers are hard to come by at IPL auctions, especially those particularly skilled at bowling in the powerplay. Anshul Kamboj, who reprised that role for MI in the previous campaign, fits the bill perfectly.
Kamboj, who recently picked up all 10 wickets in an innings in the Ranji Trophy, has the ability to move the ball both ways off the seam. He's fairly accurate with his lines and can break games open in the powerplay, taking some of the load off Jasprit Bumrah.
Kamboj is still young and has entered the India 'A' scheme of things, making him a viable RTM candidate for the five-time champions.
#2 Nehal Wadhera
Nehal Wadhera is another player who has entered the India A mix and clearly has a long career ahead of him. Although he turned out in only six matches for MI in IPL 2024, he has all the makings of a superstar and could be an integral part of the franchise going forward if they are able to RTM him.
Wadhera is a decent hitter of spin, and his fundamentals against pace seem solid as well. As a left-hander whose overall game is fairly set for his age, he's expected to be in high demand at the IPL 2025 auction. MI, on their part, would love to get him back as one of the foundational pieces of their future.
#1 Naman Dhir
Naman Dhir capped off IPL 2024 with a sizzling half-century that showcased his incredible potential as a hitter. Capable of taking up a number of roles in the batting order, the Punjab youngster is a dangerous and versatile T20 batter.
Dhir is also a decent off-spinner, and MI clearly had a ton of faith in him, as they decided to pick him ahead of Wadhera and play him at No. 3 in IPL 2024. He's likely to be their first-choice RTM option at the auction.