The Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction is set to take place in Kochi on December 23 and speculation is already rife on what players the franchises will bid for.

Former Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Anil Kumble believes that Mumbai Indians will enter into the auction ring with an aim to buy a marquee spinner.

Speaking to Jio Cinema, Kumble said the five-time champions will look for an overseas spinner to bolster their playing XI even though they have Kumar Kartikeya in their ranks.

“Mumbai Indians don’t have a marquee spinner in their ranks. Kartikeya did really well for them last year. If they have to go for an Indian spinner with experience than they will have to probably go back to Amit Mishra or Piyush Chawla. I don’t see that happening. Perhaps, the only option for them is to go for overseas spinner. Who will it be? There’s Adil Rashid, Tabraiz Shamsi, Adam Zampa,” Kumble predicted the picks.

According to Anil Kumble, Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikander Raza, who impressed one and all with his all-round exploits at the T20 World Cup 2022, will be a valuable pick as well.

“I would probably look towards Sikandar Raza because he can also give you a wonderful middle order batting as well, along with his spin which is not easy to pick, and he has done well in the recent past,” he added.

Mumbai Indians endured a dismal IPL 2022 campaign. The Rohit Sharma-led side won only 4 out of their 14 league matches and finished the 10-team points table at the bottom.