Matthew Hayden feels that Mumbai Indians may drop Trent Boult from their squad during the IPL 2026 holdover. Boult played a key role in MI’s run to the playoffs of the IPL 2025 season as he formed a powerful combination with Jasprit Bumrah while using the new ball.
This was Boult’s second stint with MI and he picked up 22 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 23.5 and an economy rate of 8.97. In an interview with Star Sports, Hayden felt it MI will have to make some tough calls during detention because they have some areas to solve. Boult was bought for Rs 12.5 crore and Hayden feels they may have released him to buy him at a cheaper price.
“Mumbai Indians have a very balanced playing XI but face some tough decisions. Trent Boult was exceptional, taking 22 wickets last season and making a big impact in the power play. With his price tag of 12.5 million, the management could consider releasing him to potentially buy him back at a lower price. This move could free up funds to strengthen other areas of their first team while maintaining the balance of the squad.”
‘GT NEEDS NEW MIDDLE ORDER’
Hayden commented on Gujarat Titans and their weaknesses before retention. The batting problem for GT was that while the top three were firing, the middle order didn’t come through. Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler scored a combined 1,947 runs during IPL 2025, but the rest of the batting side struggled to impress.
Hayden feels GT should build a new middle order during the mega-auction by taking on the underdogs.
“Gujarat Titans have a fantastic top-order with skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan who were the top-scoring opening pair last season. However, their middle-order has been a big problem, with only Jos Buttler performing consistently. This over-reliance on their openers has become a clear weakness. In the mini-auction, GT should offload under-performers and those who have effectively rebuilt their middle-order.
– The end
Published on:
November 12, 2025
