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Ravichandran Ashwin has an interesting idea for Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2027. Ashwin believes that MI could bring back Rohit Sharma as captain and still keep Hardik Pandya as a player in the team. He believes that this move could help MI find a way forward without losing Pandya.
Since the end of IPL 2026, there has been growing speculation about Hardik leaving Mumbai Indians. Reports have also suggested that Rohit could once again take charge of the team. Amid this, Ravichandran Ashwin slams Gautam Gambhir’s think tank over Kuldeep Yadav’s snub.
Ravichandran Ashwin backs Rohit Sharma’s return as Mumbai Indians captain
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin explained why Mumbai Indians should consider the option of handing over the captaincy to Rohit Sharma once again and keeping Hardik Pandya purely as a player before making any big decision before the IPL 2027.
He believes that Mumbai Indians would find it difficult to get a player who can replace Hardik in the same role. Ashwin feels the franchise should try to keep the all-rounder in the team and bring out his best as a player, so making Rohit captain again could be one way to make this work.
Ashwin stated "If I were the Mumbai Indians, I would be thinking about who could replace Hardik Pandya if I traded him. Who is a like-for-like replacement? There is no one. If I can keep Hardik happy at the same franchise, somehow or the other. It is not a bad option if MI makes Rohit Sharma captain while retaining Hardik Pandya and if they could get the best out of him.”
Ashwin highlights Hardik Pandya’s injury struggles, says MI must keep him happy
Hardik has also struggled with recurring injuries, and there has been a lot of discussion about his situation at MI. Ashwin feels that a player needs to be happy and comfortable to perform at his best. Amid this, "MS Dhoni made our job 50% easier": Yuzvendra Chahal reveals captain cool’s big contribution.
The former CSK star added, “What does Hardik want at this point? He has had so many injuries, and so much has been said about the situation. There has been a lot of talk about it. At the end of the day, a player would want to be happy and play cricket. He would want to be in a happy space. That is a decision Hardik and the franchise have to make together.”
Hardik Pandya could leave Mumbai Indians if things don’t work out: Ashwin
However, Ashwin feels Hardik may decide to move to another franchise if the all-rounder believes he has tried his best but things are still not working out. Hardik has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2026 because of his recurring injury problems.
The former Indian off-spinner feels if Rohit can manage the dressing room well and help create a positive atmosphere, Hardik could settle down, play freely, and deliver better performances for the five-time IPL champions.
He further shared, “But if Hardik feels that he has given it enough time, has struggled, and things are not working out for him, then there is a greater chance of him moving elsewhere.”
Ashwin reveals why Rohit Sharma’s return as MI captain could work
Ashwin also believes Rohit would have the support of the dressing room if he returned as captain. Both Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah have played under Rohit before, so things will be easy.
He signed off by saying, “If Rohit can return as captain, he has the respect of the dressing room. I am not sure if captaincy is that much of an aspiration for Bumrah, if I am not mistaken.”
