IPL 2025: Jasprit Bumrah set to be the 1st retention pick for Mumbai Indians

In a huge development, star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is set to be the first player to be retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Bumrah has been an integral part of Mumbai Indians since his IPL debut for the franchise.

The fast bowler has played numerous games for MI and has played a key role in the franchise's success over the years. As a result, he is likely to be selected ahead of the captain Hardik Pandya.

Earlier, Rohit Sharma was MI's first choice for the retention. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, Mumbai Indians are also likely to retain Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav as well.

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Jasprit Bumrah is set to be retained ahead of Hardik Pandya

The retention policy for the upcoming IPL season hasn't been finalized yet and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the final decision soon.

1st retention Bumrah

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The decision to choose Bumrah as the first retention pick is not a surprise because of his impact over the years. He is the spearhead of the bowling attack and one of their best players in the last few seasons.

Jasprit Bumrah has been a vital cog in Mumbai Indians for a long period. The 30-year-old has an exceptional record for the franchise with 165 wickets in 133 matches at an average of 22.51 and an incredible economy rate of 7.30.

MI have won five IPL titles and Bumrah has been involved in four of those title wins. In the last year when Mumbai Indians had a disastrous season, Bumrah was the lone shining light for them as he finished as the third-highest wicket-taker of the tournament.

Hardik Pandya's record with Gujarat Titans

Earlier, it was expected that Hardik Pandya would be the first choice of retention for Mumbai Indians since he is the captain of the team. Hardik started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians in 2015.

However, he was released by the team after IPL 2021 season. As a result, the new IPL team at that time, Gujarat Titans, picked him up as one of their marquee players and appointed him the captain.

It was Pandya's first stint as a captain in the IPL and it turned out to be a dream. Titans went on to clinch the title in its very first season under his leadership. In the next year, Gujarat Titans had another exceptional season and finished runners-up to Chennai Super Kings.

Hardik Pandya in IPL 2024

However, Hardik Pandya decided to leave Gujarat Titans and joined Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024. Hardik was soon appointed the captain of the franchise as he replaced Rohit Sharma for the role.

But Mumbai Indians had a disappointing season as they finished last in the points table. Hardik himself had a poor season with both bat and ball and failed to create an impact. However, it was a great season for Jasprit Bumrah as he picked up 20 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 16.80.