The Mumbai Indians have reportedly finalized their retention list ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, with the auction likely to take place in December. The team is set for a significant leadership change as Suryakumar Yadav is expected to take over as captain, replacing Hardik Pandya.
Mumbai Indians’ Retention Strategy
While the official retention rules are yet to be announced by the BCCI, reports indicate that most franchises are looking to retain at least five players to secure the core of their teams. In the previous mega auction, franchises were allowed to retain up to four players. The rules for the 2025 auction are anticipated to be announced by the end of September.
According to RevSportz‘s Rohit Juglan, Mumbai Indians have finalized their list of retained players. Jasprit Bumrah is the first retention, with Suryakumar Yadav being the second and also set to lead the side in IPL 2025. Suryakumar’s appointment as captain comes after a disappointing performance by Hardik Pandya in the last season, where Mumbai finished at the bottom of the table.
Leadership Change
Suryakumar Yadav’s appointment is also seen as a reflection of his growing stature in Indian cricket, having recently been named India’s T20 captain. Despite Hardik being a strong candidate to replace Rohit Sharma, the team management opted for Suryakumar to take on the leadership role for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. Hardik, who was brought back to Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024 through a trade deal with Gujarat Titans, was unable to lead the team to success last season.
Rohit or Hardik to Be Released
While the first two retentions are confirmed as Bumrah and Suryakumar, Juglan mentioned that Mumbai Indians have retained one more player, though the identity remains undisclosed. This leaves a big question mark over the future of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya with the franchise. With only one spot left, either one or possibly both of them could be released ahead of the auction.
Juglan teased the final retention by saying, “Bumrah first retention, Suryakumar Yadav (C) 👀 Now wait for the last one.”
Bumrah first retention
SuryaKumar Yadav (C)
👀
Now wait for the last one— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) September 27, 2024
As the mega auction approaches, the changes in Mumbai Indians’ strategy and leadership mark a new era for the five-time champions as they aim to rebuild and regain their winning form.