In a surprising and selfless move, former Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma volunteered to be retained as the fourth player in MI’s retention list for IPL 2025, letting the spotlight shift to MI’s young talents.
Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mahela Jayawardene highlighted this gesture on Jio Cinema, sharing how Rohit’s decision reflects his commitment to the team and his support for MI’s future.
READ: Mumbai Indians Retained Players List for IPL 2025 ANNOUNCED
Mumbai Indians recently announced their retained players for the upcoming season, with the franchise holding onto a “Big Four” of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav.
Hardik Pandya, who took over as MI’s captain last season, was also officially confirmed to continue in the role, cementing his position as MI’s leader. Alongside the senior players, MI has also retained promising young left-hander Tilak Varma, investing in youth as they prepare for the new season.
A Selfless Gesture from Rohit Sharma
Despite being MI’s most successful captain, Rohit reportedly suggested taking the fourth retention spot to emphasize MI’s upcoming talents. Valued at INR 16.3 crore, Rohit’s decision allowed Bumrah, Suryakumar, and Hardik to hold higher retention slots, helping spotlight the team’s new generation of leaders.
Known for leading MI to five IPL titles, Rohit’s sacrifice highlights his respect for MI’s team vision and his commitment to fostering MI’s young talent.
“Since I’m retired from this format, I think this is the best spot for me,” Rohit Sharma said on Jio Cinema.
“The players who are representing the national team at the highest level should get the preference. That’s what I believe in and I am quite happy with it. It’s a very tough one when you come into fresh auction and you start retaining players.”
Speaking about Rohit’s decision, MI’s head coach praised the former skipper’s mindset, emphasizing that this act reflects Rohit’s dedication to MI’s “One Family” culture. Even as he steps back from the captaincy, Rohit’s influence within the team remains crucial, especially with the wealth of experience he brings to the dressing room.
Hardik Pandya: Mumbai Indians Confirm Captain
Following a mixed season last year, Hardik Pandya was confirmed as MI’s captain for IPL 2025. Known for his aggressive leadership style, Hardik has already led a team to victory with Gujarat Titans and now returns to MI with high hopes to replicate similar success.
Hardik, retained at INR 16.35 crore, has quickly grown into the leadership role, balancing his powerful on-field presence with a fresh approach to team strategy.
Hardik’s role as MI’s captain adds a dynamic element to the team’s setup, especially with senior players like Rohit and Suryakumar backing him. The official confirmation of his captaincy allows MI to stabilize their leadership structure and focus on building a solid support system around their core.
With Rohit, Hardik, Suryakumar, and Bumrah forming the backbone, MI has focused on experience and consistency, aiming to establish a cohesive unit around its senior players. Jasprit Bumrah, retained at the highest price of INR 18 crore, anchors the bowling attack, while Suryakumar Yadav, also valued at INR 16.35 crore, adds explosive power to the batting order.
READ: IPL 2025 Retentions Announced For All 10 Teams
Retaining Tilak Varma at INR 8 crore further showcases MI’s belief in the young batter’s potential, positioning him as a key middle-order player in MI’s long-term vision.
Together, MI’s retained core absorbed INR 75 crore of the team’s total INR 120 crore cap, leaving them with INR 45 crore to spend in the auction. This budget will allow MI to strategically add support players to complement their lineup, with plans to address gaps in both the middle order and spin department.
With one Right to Match (RTM) option in hand, MI’s management can bring back a valuable player during the auction if needed.
