IPL 2025: 5 MI players who were benched for majority of the season despite huge salaries

The Mumbai Indians had a strong team going into the 2025 Indian Premier League and had spent a lot of money on both established players and up-and-coming talent. Not all of their well-known investments, though, resulted in consistent playing time.

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Due to poor form, difficult competition, or tactical considerations, a number of high-profile players were benched for the bulk of the season. Their minimal participation sparked concerns regarding MI's auction strategy and squad balance.

Here are the 5 MI players who were benched for majority of the season despite huge salaries:

1. Karn Sharma

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Karn Sharma participated in seven IPL 2025 matches despite being a member of MI's seasoned bench strength. On grounds where spin was the preferred method, he took seven wickets. Karn Sharma was not used since Mumbai mainly relied on Mitchell Santner.

He was unable to compel a selection rethink due to his lackluster performance and short overs. Despite earning a respectable income, his role was restricted to squad depth. Ultimately, he missed the entire season due to team balance and more effective spinners.

2. Robin Minz

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In his two IPL 2025 matches, Robin Minz scored six runs at a strike rate of 40.00 for MI.  MI's top-heavy batting lineup provided little room for mistakes in the bottom order, and he labored in both innings.

He was promptly removed from the starting lineup due to his lack of influence and game understanding. Minz never got another chance, especially with Ryan Rickelton and Jonny Bairstow coming in and others in form. Although his expensive price tag was noticeable, his performances weren't good enough to warrant a longer run.

3. Reece Topley

Reece Topley of England bowled three overs and scored forty runs in his lone appearance. Despite his global expertise, he was unable to make any significant advances in death or powerplay. In the hierarchy, he slipped below MI's top pacers, including Bumrah, Boult, and Chahar.

Topley performed poorly in pressure overs, an area where MI sought greater control. He was left out of rotation because he didn't have any noteworthy spells to support his inclusion. He was one of the season's least effective foreign selections due to his small participation.

4. Mujeeb Ur Rahman

In his lone IPL 2025 match, Mujeeb recorded stats of 1/28 in two overs. He was costly, struggled to establish any rhythm, and leaked 14 runs per over. During the IPl 2025, MI only preferred Mitchell Santner as a proper spinner; hence, Mujeeb was not called up to the starting lineup.

He never found a clear role in MI's plans, despite his fame. Control and variation were given top priority by management, which Mujeeb found difficult. Throughout the season, his benching was a reflection of both team combination choices and form.

5. Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar played seven games overall and made news with his incredible start, taking 4/24. Despite taking 11 wickets at the end of the season, his economy rate over 11 hampered his case. It's possible that his lack of expertise in high-pressure circumstances hurt him.

Despite his early potential, Ashwani was a backup because Mumbai's pace attack was already stocked. When Jasprit Bumrah rejoined the team, his impressive debut was insufficient to gain the long-term trust of a championship-chasing squad. Despite early fireworks, he saw limited time, but he is still a contender for the future.

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