As the IPL 2025 retention deadline looms, the Mumbai Indians (MI) face a conundrum that’s as much about strategy as it is about managing egos. With October 31 fast approaching, Mumbai Indians must decide on the futures of four core players—Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya.
While all have been instrumental to MI’s success, the franchise’s recent captaincy shuffle has introduced friction that could ultimately split this iconic group.
There were murmurs of discontent from Rohit, Suryakumar, and Bumrah last season which suggests that not everyone within the team was on board with the change in leadership.
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It is understood from multiple reports that Bumrah and Suryakumar are heavily in favour of Rohit and there were footages and leaks from the previous season which suggested that the trio was unhappy with Hardik’s rise as captain.
Will Hardik be the only one left at Mumbai Indians if Rohit Sharma leaves?
The spotlight remains firmly on Rohit Sharma, MI’s former captain and five-time IPL champion, who unexpectedly lost his captaincy to Hardik Pandya last season. If Rohit decides not to stay, the other two (Suryakumar and Bumrah) might also consider leaving, which would put MI in a fix.
Rohit’s leadership has always been one of MI’s strongest assets, yet the shift to Hardik Pandya was seen as an abrupt and risky call. While Hardik’s credentials are strong—having led the Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title—his ascension over Rohit stirred discontent among fans and players alike.
In fact, last season, an intriguing conversation between Rohit Sharma and Abhishek Nayar made waves on social media. Though the context remains unclear, Rohit can be heard saying something that fans suspect hints at the possibility of him leaving the franchise.
In the clip, Rohit is heard saying, “Ek ek cheez change ho raha hai. Vo unke uper hai, maine banaya hai usko temple samajh kr. Ye mera last hai” (Everything is changing one by one. It’s on them; I’ve built it as though it were a temple. This is my last).
The video was originally posted by the official Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) account, but its swift deletion only added fuel to the speculation, leaving fans with more reason to interpret the message and imagine various outcomes.
The captaincy aspirations of the four players
Suryakumar Yadav, now India’s T20I captain, is another player whose aspirations complicate MI’s captaincy hierarchy. Known for his aggressive playing style and creative strategies, Suryakumar has shown he is ready for a leadership role.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership potential has also gained recognition as he’s taken on the role of India’s Test vice-captain.
While Bumrah has been largely focused on his bowling, his quiet leadership and experience make him a valuable candidate in MI’s captaincy considerations. However, he, too, could feel undervalued if the franchise continues prioritizing Hardik over other captaincy options.
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Navigating Retentions and Relationships
MI’s management is in a bind. Retaining all four stars would consume a significant portion of their purse, likely limiting their options in the mega auction. Each of these players—Rohit, Suryakumar, Bumrah, and Hardik—will demand top-dollar salaries, and with a total cap of INR 120 crore, MI would be left with a restricted budget to build around them.
But if they let go of Rohit, it would also mean losing (or at the very least creating ill-will) the two best T20 players, across batting and bowling departments, in the world today (SKY and Bumrah).
Additionally, if MI retains Hardik as captain without adjusting roles for the others, tensions could simmer, affecting team morale. Do they leave Hardik out after bringing him back to Mumbai Indians through a questionable move outside the auction? That would mean suppressing their egos and kind of accepting they made an error.
Reports suggest MI’s top brass is aware of this potential fallout and is weighing how to maintain team harmony. Rumors of an under-the-table bonus structure, similar to what MI reportedly used to keep Hardik happy in the past, are circulating.
While this could be one way to ensure all four players stay, loyalty only goes so far when it comes to managing pride and aspirations within a high-stakes league like the IPL.
Given their critical roles, neither Rohit nor Hardik is likely to settle for anything less than a primary position within the leadership hierarchy. And if MI chooses to retain all four without addressing their respective leadership ambitions, they risk internal discord.
High-Stakes Decisions Ahead
The upcoming retention deadline is more than just a date; it’s a decisive moment for the future of Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful franchises in the league’s history.
How they navigate these complex relationships and demands could determine whether they can maintain their core or see a reshaping of their roster. All eyes are on MI as they attempt to keep the “One Family” together in the face of leadership aspirations, personal pride, and a competitive mega auction that waits eagerly for any misstep.
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