With the IPL 2025 mega-auction approaching, speculation is rife regarding the retention of top players by Mumbai Indians (MI). While contrasting reports have emerged about whether MI will retain ex-skipper Rohit Sharma, a new report suggests that MI plans to retain their key players, including Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. With the deadline for IPL retentions looming, Mumbai Indians are strategizing on how to build a formidable team while managing their purse effectively.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya set for MI retention

Amid the swirling rumors surrounding Rohit Sharma's future with Mumbai Indians, a new report from Sportstar claims that MI will retain their former captain. Earlier speculation suggested a rift between Rohit and MI following his removal as skipper in 2024, with Hardik Pandya taking over the reins. However, the report confirms that Rohit Sharma, along with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, will remain with the franchise.

This decision comes despite Hardik Pandya's poor performance as captain last season, where he struggled to lead the team to the playoffs. Nevertheless, MI views both Rohit and Hardik as essential to their future plans. Their retention will significantly impact MI’s auction purse, as retaining players in different categories comes with a steep cost, but these players are considered the franchise's core strength.

Impact on MI's IPL 2025 strategy

Rohit Sharma’s retention will likely play a major role in shaping MI's IPL 2025 auction strategy. Retaining key players means a substantial portion of MI's auction budget will be allocated, with the first and fourth players retained receiving ₹18 crore each, the second and fifth players getting ₹14 crore, and the third retention receiving ₹11 crore.

While Rohit’s IPL 2024 performance was decent, scoring 417 runs at a strike rate of 150, the bigger question remains who will lead MI in the upcoming season. Despite rumors linking Rohit with a move to Lucknow Super Giants and internal disputes with the previous MI coach, new head coach Mahela Jayawardene has reportedly convinced Rohit to stay with MI.

Mumbai’s Top Retention
Not Hardik Not Bumrah
Rohit Sharma it is #RohitSharma𓃵

— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) October 22, 2024

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Meanwhile, the retention deadline is set for October 31, giving MI a limited window to finalize their squad for next season. The franchise is aiming to improve team morale and performance, with retention decisions being key to their preparations for IPL 2025.

As Mumbai Indians gear up for IPL 2025, the retention of top players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah will significantly shape their strategy for the mega-auction. Despite some uncertainties and challenges last season, MI is committed to retaining their core players and building a strong squad for the future. The upcoming retention decisions will have a lasting impact on the team’s prospects in the next IPL season.