IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians close down their retentions; Rohit Sharma-Hardik Pandya fate sealed

Mumbai Indians (MI) reportedly finalized their retentions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, which is scheduled to take place later this year. Former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to be included in the four retentions by the franchise for the upcoming season.

The five-time IPL champions had a disappointing outing during the last edition. MI was the first team to be eliminated from the knockout race in the IPL 2024. They managed to secure four wins out of their 14 matches. Notably, MI started the season with three back-to-back losses.

The Mumbai team has the tough task of rebuilding their team before the IPL 2025. They can retain only six players from their existing squad. As per the new IPL rules, teams can retain a maximum of five capped players and a maximum of two uncapped. They can use the Right To Match (RTM) option.

Mumbai Indians Likely To Retain Rohit Sharma For IPL 2025 Season

MI's IPL 2024 season was marred by controversy after they replaced Rohit Sharma with all-rounder Hardik Pandya as captain. The decision to remove Rohit from captaincy upset many MI fans. Hardik was booed earlier in the tournament, even in home games at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The MI team is set to retain four key players ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, according to Indian Express. Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav will be retained by the franchise, which aims to retain these key players as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Mumbai Indians Likely To Use RTM For Tim David In Auction

The report also claimed that the Mumbai franchise will target wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan in the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. They would use the Right to Match (RTM) option for all-rounder Tim David. Mumbai is expected to submit its final list of retained players to the BCCI by October 31.

The total purse for the 2025 auction is Rs 120 crore, with a retention budget of Rs 75 crore that can be allocated among five players. If the Mumbai Indians retain the above-mentioned four players, it will cost Rs 61 crore from their total budget. They can use two Right to Match options during the auction.

Mahela Jayawardene Reappointed As Head Coach Of Mumbai Indians

Former Sri Lankan batter Mahela Jayawardene has been reappointed as the head coach of MI. Jayawardene replaced Mark Boucher after a disappointing last-place finish in the 2024 IPL season. Mahela guided the team to three titles during his tenure as head coach from 2017 to 2022.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Jayawardene expressed excitement about rejoining the Mumbai Indians. He stated that they need to build a talented team and evolve the franchise's success.

“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,” Jayawardene was quoted as saying in a statement.

Also read: Shubman Gill snubbed as Anil Kumble names Rohit Sharma's replacement for BGT 2024-25