Aakash Chopra Suggests MI Should Release Trent Boult Ahead of IPL 2027 Auction

New Delhi, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the upcoming IPL 2027 auction, suggesting that the Mumbai Indians’ decisions regarding player retention and releases will center around a potential trade involving Hardik Pandya.

Chopra speculates that Hardik may be traded to the Punjab Kings in exchange for Arshdeep Singh. The all-rounder, who has struggled to lead the Mumbai franchise to success, could be a key focus as the team reevaluates its roster.

In a conversation with JioStar, Chopra remarked, “If everything had gone well last season, you would think, ‘What needs to change?’ They have balance, experience, and tremendous potential. So why make changes?”

He believes MI might benefit from acquiring an Indian spinner or fast bowler, but the main discussion in the cricketing community is about Hardik Pandya’s trade. Chopra highlighted that such players are rare, and MI’s decisions on retention and release will likely start from this point. “What if you could get two players in exchange for him?” he posed.

Chopra also suggested that MI should consider releasing New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult, whose performance in the 2026 season fell short of expectations. Boult managed only two wickets in five matches, raising questions about his value at a hefty price tag of ₹12.5 crore. “You could acquire several players in return without needing to release many others,” he noted.

He emphasized that trading Hardik Pandya is a foregone conclusion. “If you can’t find players in exchange, you must retain him. There’s no doubt about that. But with Trent Boult, there should be no confusion; he must be released,” Chopra stated.

Additionally, Chopra believes MI should consider letting go of either Keshav Maharaj or Mitchell Santner, both of whom are left-arm finger spinners. “I could part with Keshav Maharaj,” he concluded.