Major leadership changes loom in IPL 2025 as RCB, LSG and DC eye on Mumbai's retention dilemma

The next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will have a mega IPL 2025 auction, and many franchises will be on the hunt for new captains. Several IPL franchises are eagerly awaiting the retention process to be finalized for the next season to finalize a new captain.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Gujarat Titans (GT), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) would certainly avoid changes in the leadership, retaining Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Subhman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Pat Cummins as their captains, respectively.

RCB, LSG, and DC eye Mumbai Indians' (MI) stars for captaincy ahead of the IPL 2025

However, the remaining teams, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Delhi Capitals (DC), are reportedly looking for new captains for the upcoming IPL 2025. A Hindustan Times report claimed that RCB, LSG, and DC are closely monitoring the retention list of the Mumbai Indians (MI) for the next season of the cash-rich T20 league.

Their focus will be on whether the Mumbai Indians (MI) retain Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. Rohit recently led India to a T20 World Cup victory and has been replaced by Suryakumar as the new Indian T20I captain. However, Hardik Pandya was expected to be retained by the MI as the captain.

However, recent developments may force the five-time IPL champions to reconsider their plans, especially after Suryakumar pipped Hardik Pandya to get India’s captaincy in T20I cricket ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka tour.

According to a report in Dainik Jagran, Team India’s ODI and Test captain Rohit played a significant role in appointing Suryakumar as the new T20I captain for India, alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Rohit backed Gambhir's appointment as India head coach and the decision to appoint Suryakumar as the T20I captain until the 2026 T20 World Cup. Reports suggest that Hardik received a 'no confidence' vote from fellow Indian players, as they preferred Suryakumar for the T20I captaincy.

This surprising change raised the question of whether MI will retain Hardik for another year, as his appointment had divided the camp into two teams last year. MI's decision regarding Hardik will be crucial as the RCB and LSG seek new leadership for the upcoming IPL 2025.

Suryakumar Yadav can look for the captaincy role in the IPL 2025

Additionally, MI must consider retaining Suryakumar for the next season, especially because he was on Rohit’s side when the team divided into two camps last season after Hardik was made the captain.

Suryakumar is now an Indian captain, and he might aspire to lead the IPL's most popular franchise or explore other options if not retained by the franchise. Jasprit Bumrah, who also enjoys a leadership role, will certainly be the first to retain the MI.

Well, the IPL Governing Council has yet to announce the number of retentions each franchise will be allowed. However, if the teams are allowed to retain four players, including one overseas player, then MI will face tough decisions, which will open opportunities for teams like RCB, LSG, and DC.

RCB may also consider their former batter, KL Rahul, who might be released by LSG after team owner Sanjeev Goenka had a heated argument with the Indian wicketkeeper in the IPL 2024. The upcoming mega auction will bring significant changes to the teams’ leadership scenes.