Mahela Jayawardene is back as the head coach of Mumbai Indians, the IPL team he led to success from 2017 to 2022. Jayawardene, who briefly transitioned to the role of Global Head of Cricket for the franchise, has now returned to his previous position as head coach.

Jayawardene reflected on his journey with Mumbai Indians, saying, “My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution. In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever, and we did very well. Now, I am returning at a pivotal moment, looking ahead at the future and an exciting opportunity to further strengthen MI’s legacy.”

During his previous stint as head coach, Jayawardene was instrumental in shaping the team into a formidable force, helping them win several IPL titles. His return marks a significant moment for the franchise, as they continue to build on their history and vision for future success.

With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, the retention rules have sparked a wave of speculation. Teams face tough choices on which players to retain directly, use RTM (Right to Match) cards for, or release. The Mumbai Indians (MI), a franchise synonymous with its long-standing captain Rohit Sharma, find themselves in a position to make strategic decisions about their squad. Rohit, who has been the heart of the MI team for 13 years, led the franchise to five IPL titles and has become one of its most cherished players.

Fans remember the chants of “Mumbai Cha Raja, Rohit Sharma” echoing around stadiums, even as newly appointed skipper Hardik Pandya walked to the boundary during IPL 2024. While the love for Rohit in Mumbai remains unparalleled, the team’s decisions around retentions will determine if the “King of Mumbai” continues to don the MI jersey next season.

Will Rohit Sharma Be Retained by MI?
There seems to be little reason why MI would let go of Rohit. With 5731 runs at an average of around 30 across 221 games, his batting, coupled with his outstanding leadership, has made him invaluable to the team. Despite MI’s challenges in IPL 2024, Rohit remains a key asset, and it is likely the franchise will prioritize his retention.

Under the new retention rules, there are designated slabs for the first six retained players. The first and fourth retained players receive a minimum of ₹18 crores each, followed by ₹14 crores for the second and fifth, and ₹11 crores for the third. Given Rohit’s contribution to the team, he will likely fall into the top bracket, receiving at least ₹18 crores.

Who Could Earn the Highest Salary in MI?
While Rohit Sharma is expected to be one of the highest-paid players, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav could also contend for the top salary spot. Both players have been exceptional for MI over the years—Bumrah with 168 wickets in 136 games as the team’s most lethal bowler, and Suryakumar with 3,033 runs in 98 matches, making him one of the most dynamic batsmen in the league. Considering Suryakumar’s current role as India’s T20I captain and Bumrah’s match-winning abilities, either of them could end up being the highest-paid player for MI in the 2025 season.

What About Hardik Pandya?
After a lackluster 2024 season, Hardik Pandya’s position in the team appears uncertain. However, if retained, he could likely be the fifth player on MI’s retention list. Given his all-round abilities and the balance he provides to the side, Pandya’s role remains important, though he may not surpass the likes of Rohit, Bumrah, Suryakumar, or even rising star Tilak Verma in the retention hierarchy.

Ultimately, MI will need to balance experience and emerging talent while keeping within the salary caps, as they aim to build a team that could reclaim their title in IPL 2025.

As IPL 2025 approaches, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are once again in search of a winning formula. While they’ve had several close calls, they’ve yet to lift the coveted trophy. Mumbai Indians (MI), on the other hand, have been immensely successful, winning five IPL titles. Could RCB target some key MI players to turn their fortunes around? Here are three players RCB should aim for if Mumbai Indians release them ahead of the mega auction.

1. Rohit Sharma

There is speculation that Rohit Sharma might part ways with Mumbai Indians. Rumors began when he was removed as captain in IPL 2024. If Rohit becomes available, RCB should make a strong bid. Imagine Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma opening together – it could be a dream duo. Moreover, with uncertainty surrounding Faf du Plessis’ retention as RCB captain, Rohit could also fill a leadership role, providing both experience and stability to the team.

2. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, though facing challenges in IPL 2024, showcased his leadership skills by guiding India to a T20 World Cup victory. His future with MI remains uncertain, as his contract was only for a year. RCB, who desperately need a quality all-rounder, should consider Pandya if MI releases him. His ability to turn games with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for any team, and RCB could certainly benefit from his skills.

3. Arjun Tendulkar

Arjun Tendulkar has been a promising young talent, playing only a handful of matches for Mumbai Indians but showing potential in domestic cricket for Goa. RCB’s bowling attack has been one of their weaknesses in recent seasons, and Tendulkar could provide much-needed depth. With the upcoming mega auction likely to bring changes in squad composition, Arjun could be a smart pick for RCB as they look to build a balanced team.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaches, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are facing a crucial decision-making period. After a disappointing 2024 season where they finished at the bottom of the table, the franchise is gearing up for a major roster overhaul. With uncertainty surrounding BCCI’s retention rules and MI’s recent struggles, the choice of who to retain will be critical.

Let’s take a look at three players Mumbai Indians might consider retaining ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

1. Hardik Pandya

• Performance in 2024:
  • Runs: 216 in 14 matches
  • Wickets: 11
• Role: All-rounder, Former Captain

Hardik Pandya, who returned to Mumbai Indians after successful stints with Gujarat Titans, had a tough 2024 season. Appointed as captain in place of Rohit Sharma, Pandya faced criticism for his leadership and performance. Despite this, MI may see Pandya as a long-term asset and could choose to retain him for the future, betting on his potential to bounce back.

2. Suryakumar Yadav

• Performance in 2024:
  • Runs: 345 in 11 games
  • Strike Rate: 167.47
• Role: Batter, T20I Captain for India

Suryakumar Yadav has been a consistent performer for MI since 2018. With his recent appointment as India’s T20I captain and his strong performance in the 2024 season, Yadav is likely to be at the top of MI’s retention list. His experience and leadership could be invaluable as MI looks to rebuild.

3. Jasprit Bumrah

• Performance in 2024:
  • Wickets: 20 in 13 matches
  • Economy: 6.48
• Role: Lead Bowler

Jasprit Bumrah, a key figure in MI’s five championship victories, is another player the franchise might retain. His exceptional form in the 2024 season and his standout performance in the T20 World Cup, where he won the Player of the Series award, make him an irreplaceable asset for MI. Bumrah is expected to continue leading MI’s bowling attack.

Summary Table: Potential MI Retentions for IPL 2025