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Hayden's Bold MI Strategy: Why Releasing Boult and Chahar Could Boost Bench

Matthew Hayden has proposed a strategic move for Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL retention deadline. The former Australian opener suggests releasing star pacers Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar could free up significant funds. This approach would allow MI to strengthen their bench strength with quality backups while potentially buying back the players at lower prices. The five-time champions need to address their backup situation, especially given recent injury concerns with key bowlers.

Key Points: Matthew Hayden Suggests MI Release Trent Boult Deepak Chahar

  • Hayden suggests MI could buy back released players at lower prices
  • MI faces tough retention decisions with November 15 deadline approaching
  • Boult took 22 wickets last season but carries 12.5 crore price tag
  • Chahar and Topley's injury history makes quality backups crucial
2 min read

Hayden suggests MI release two star pacers to boost bench strength

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden proposes Mumbai Indians release star pacers Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar to free funds for quality bench strength ahead of IPL retentions.

"If I were in their camp, I would consider releasing two bowlers: Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar - Matthew Hayden"

Mumbai, November 11

Ahead of the announcement of retentions by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, JioStar expert and former Australian opener Matthew Hayden noted that releasing and potentially buying Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar back could free up funds to strengthen their bench strength with quality backups.

The retentions by all the IPL teams will be announced on November 15. The team boasts of a quality pace attack consisting of Jasprit Bumrah, Boult, Chahar, skipper Hardik Pandya, Reece Topley, and a young left-armer Ashwani Kumar, among others.

Speaking on JioStar's IPL 2026 'Retention Preview', Hayden spoke on MI's retention dilemma on Boult, "Mumbai Indians have a very balanced playing eleven, but they face some tough decisions. Trent Boult has been exceptional, taking 22 wickets last season and making a strong impact in the powerplay. However, with a 12.5 crore price tag, the management might consider releasing him, potentially allowing them to buy him back at a lower price. This move could free up funds to strengthen other areas of their squad while maintaining their core balance."

"Mumbai Indians are five-time champions for a reason; they have a great mix of young talent. However, they need to address their backup players. If I were in their camp, I would consider releasing two bowlers: Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. Releasing and potentially buying them back could free up funds to strengthen their bench strength with quality backups," he concluded.

Boult (4th-highest wicket-taker with 22 in 16 matches at an average of 23.50), Chahar (11 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 34.18) were solid for the five-time champions. While Boult was returning to the franchise to boost their pace attack after a stint with Rajasthan Royals (RR), Chahar had served MI's arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for 2018-2024 prior to his move to Blue colours.

However, in recent years, Chahar and Topley have faced numerous injuries, both while playing franchise and international cricket. This makes it even more important that the five-time champions get some quality back ups in case either of them gets injured.

In the last season, fine performances from MI's pace unit led them to the playoffs, losing to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2. They will be hoping to end their five-year trophy drought next year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
But releasing Boult is too risky! He took 22 wickets last season and is our powerplay specialist. What if another team picks him up? We can't afford to lose such quality. There must be other ways to manage the purse. 🤔
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Arjun K
As an MI fan since 2008, I think this strategy could backfire. Remember when CSK released Raina thinking they could buy him back? Big players attract big bids. We should focus on developing young Indian pacers instead of these risky games.
S
Sarah B
Coming from an Australian perspective, Hayden understands auction dynamics well. The 12.5 crore for Boult is steep when we have Bumrah as our main strike bowler. Freeing up funds for quality Indian backups makes perfect sense. Good analysis! 👍
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Nikhil C
Chahar's injury record is concerning, but when fit, he's a match-winner. Maybe we should release only one of them? Five-year trophy drought is painful for us fans. Management needs to make bold but calculated decisions. #MIforever 💙
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Kavya N
Respectfully disagree with Hayden here. Why fix something that isn't broken? Our pace attack took us to playoffs last season. Instead of releasing proven performers, we should focus on our middle-order batting which collapsed in crucial matches. 🏏

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