 "Mumbai Indians opted to include Rohit Sharma in their retention list and will continue with Hardik Pandya as their captain. PTI")
Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians endured a disastrous 2024 season, plagued by internal turmoil, captaincy upheaval, and abysmal performances, winning just four of 14 games. Defying expectations, the franchise has reaffirmed its faith in established stars, retaining Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma . This move underscores Mumbai’s reliance on proven talent to revive its dominance.
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However, this loyalty comes at a cost. By retaining these key players, Mumbai have depleted a significant portion of its auction purse, potentially limiting its flexibility in the upcoming auction.
Which players have MI retained?
Jasprit Bumrah (capped) – Rs 18 crore
Suryakumar Yadav (capped) – Rs 16.35 crore
Hardik Pandya (capped) – Rs 16.35 crore
Rohit Sharma (capped) – Rs 16.30 crore
Tilak Varma (capped) – Rs 8 Crore
Purse remaining: Rs 45 crore.
With Mumbai retaining five players they now have a remaining purse of just Rs 45 crore to work with in the upcoming mega auction. They do have a Right To Match (RTM) card that can only be used to buy back one of the uncapped players.
Thought process behind MI’s retentions
As the retention deadline approached, there was intense speculation around Mumbai Indians’ strategy. However, MI has now solidified their lineup by retaining their core group of star players – Rohit, Pandya, Bumrah, and Surya. These four, key to MI’s past successes, are joined by emerging talent Varma, secured for the 2025 IPL season, as announced on Thursday.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsLeading the pack is Bumrah, retained at an impressive Rs 18 crore, while both captain Pandya and Surya hold significant value at Rs 16.35 crore each. Former captain Rohit follows with a retention price of Rs 16.30 crore, and the promising batting all-rounder Varma rounds out the list at Rs 8 crore.
Also Read | IPL 2025 retention: Most expensive players revealed as Heinrich Klaasen tops Virat Kohli
In making these decisions, MI have had to part ways with some notable players, including wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan and Australia’s explosive batter Tim David. The franchise has also confirmed that Pandya will continue to lead the team.
Possible Auction Strategy
With a limited purse available, Mumbai Indians will need to approach the upcoming auction with meticulous planning to build a squad that aligns with their reputation in the IPL. While they are likely to aim to buy back several of their released players, reclaiming talents like Kishan or David may prove challenging as other franchises with larger budgets are expected to target these players aggressively.
A key priority for Mumbai will be strengthening their spin department. Acquiring a top-tier Indian spinner such as Yuzvendra Chahal would be an ideal fit, and they may also consider using the Right to Match (RTM) card to bring back veteran Piyush Chawla. In the pace department, MI could go after prominent overseas options like Trent Boult, Josh Hazlewood, Gerald Coetzee, or Josh Little to add depth and variety to their attack.
Additionally, the franchise may look to re-sign former MI wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who has recently been released by Lucknow Super Giants, to provide a proven overseas option at the top of the order.
Players MI are likely to target in the auction
All-rounders: Cameron Green, Romario Shepherd, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Sam Curran
Wicketkeeper: Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
Batters: Tim David, Will Jacks, David Miller, Rahul Tripathi
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Akash Madhwal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Piyush Chawla, Josh Hazlewood, Gerald Coetzee, Josh Little