IPL Auction 2025: Hardik Pandya retains MI captaincy as Rohit Sharma’s leadership hopes dashed

Mumbai Indians (MI) have confirmed that Hardik Pandya will continue to lead the five-time champions in the upcoming IPL 2025, despite a challenging 2024 campaign that saw the franchise hit rock bottom for only the second time in its 17-year history.

The bold decision of the Mumbai Indians (MI) to retain Hardik Pandya as captain set the stage for a high-stakes comeback under his guidance next year. On Thursday, October 31, the Mumbai Indians (MI) announced retaining key powerhouses—Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and emerging star Tilak Varma—along with Hardik Pandya.

Mumbai Indians (MI) stick with Hardik Pandya as captain after last-place finish in 2024

This strategic retention not only secured the backbone of MI’s lineup but also highlighted the franchise’s masterful play in navigating the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, having locked in these icons for a combined INR 75 crore.

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With INR 45 crore still in the bank, the Mumbai-based franchise is all set to build a strong force around its core stars at the upcoming auction. Jasprit Bumrah was retained by the Mumbai franchise for INR 18 crore, becoming MI's top retention for the first time in his IPL career.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, each signed a deal of INR 16.35 crore as MI’s prized assets. On the other hand, former captain and the face of the MI since 2011, Rohit Sharma, was retained for INR 16.30 crore, while young sensation Tilak Varma was locked in for INR 8 crore.

MI locks in Bumrah, Suryakumar, Rohit, Tilak, and Hardik ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

MI said in an official statement: “Mumbai Indians proudly announce the retention of their core players—JJasprit Bumrah, Surya Kumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma, with Hardik set to lead the team as captain in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. These players, known for their outstanding performance and commitment, have been central to the Mumbai Indians' success and are set to bring renewed focus, energy, and dedication to the team.”

Team owner Akash Ambani stated: “We have always believed that the strength of a family lies in its core, and this belief has been reinforced during the course of recent events. We are thrilled that the strong legacy of MI will be carried forward by Jasprit, Surya, Hardik, Rohit, and Tilak—players who have become synonymous with our team and the brand of cricket we stand for.

In the past month, the MI core group, along with our coaching staff, have come together and worked closely to establish a shared vision for MI. This unified effort reinstates MI’s commitment to building strong trust and ownership amongst our core group, our fans, and other stakeholders. We will strive to continue playing the passionate brand of cricket everyone expects from us.”

𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗 💙💙💙💙💙

“We have always believed that the strength of a family lies in its core and this belief has been reinforced during the course of recent events.

We are thrilled that the strong legacy of MI will be carried forward by Jasprit, Surya, Hardik, Rohit and… pic.twitter.com/G70B6DyZhw

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 31, 2024

Hardik Pandya endured a tough 2024 season

Notably, Hardik Pandya had a challenging IPL 2024 season, facing criticism and jeers from the fans at nearly every stadium he played, even at Mumbai’s own Wankhede Stadium.

The anger among the fans was intense after he was traded from the Gujarat Titans (GT) and took over the captaincy from the long-standing MI skipper, Rohit Sharma, who won five titles for the team.

Given the off-field turmoil, Hardik could manage only 216 runs and struggled with the ball as well, taking 11 wickets at a poor economy rate of 10.75. He failed to deliver both as a player and captain for the franchise earlier this year, putting immense pressure on the star all-rounder.