IPL 2014: Mumbai Indians prefer Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard over Mitchell Johnson

Defending champions of the Indian Premier League and winners of Champions League last year have retained five players -- Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard and Ambati Rayudu, who played a key role in their double success in the previous edition. (CSK retain five, RCB keep top three)

According to an official release from the franchise, Mumbai Indians' owner Nita Ambani said, " The formidable combination of these five players - Rohit, Pollard, Malinga, Bhajji and Rayudu - forms the nucleus of Mumbai Indians. They have exemplified the spirit of Mumbai Indians and are match-winners in their own right. With the retention of the core players, Mumbai Indians look forward to build a stronger, well-knit team and share the joy of an enthralling and entertaining performance with its ever-growing fans in the coming season."

While it comes as a surprise that Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson was not considered while retaining players, there are chances Mumbai could snap him up by using their 'right to match' option during the player auctions in February.