Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, have acted as one of the cornerstones of the Indian Premier League's emergence, thanks to their illustrious campaigns and campaigners who have represented the blue squad. But the same side finished the previous season at the bottom of the points table. Through the forthcoming auctions, many fanatics expect a comeback through a major restructuring. 

With the retention of their central pillars across all the departments (Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma), the management under the coaching guidance of Mahela Jayawardene will be eager to acquire such players that align to their objectives and fill the significant voids. That said, here we look at the top five names that the Mumbai Indians should go all for in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, and the commonality between all the names is that all the suggested players have donned the blue jersey at least once. 

Trent Boult

Trent Boult should be among the first names on the top priority list of Mumbai Indians' mega auction game plan. Roping the Kiwi speedster will bolster the pace of the attack that Jasprit Bumrah has already helmed. Boult's athleticism on-field will also help the side in the most advantageous ways possible.

The 35-year-old left-arm pacer is one of the best bowlers of the contemporary era, known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball. He played well for his last team, the Rajasthan Royals, and was a vital bowler for the past three seasons. In 2024, he took 16 wickets in 16 matches with an economy rate of over eight. 

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal, the star Indian leg-spinner, is the most successful bowler in IPL history. Chahal debuted in the IPL with MI in 2013 but quickly rose to prominence with RCB and RR. Overall, Chahal has become linked with consistency. Despite amassing mountains of wickets for RR over the previous three IPL seasons, the Sanju Samson-led club did not keep Chahal, and he will now be available in mega auctions, where MI might target him.

Overall, Chahal has become linked with consistency. MI has missed the presence of a great spinner over the previous three seasons, and Chahal can replace that need. In 2024, he has 18 wickets from 15 matches.  

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler, the prominent English wicketkeeper batter, has already been a "hot topic" in the auction pool after being left off the Rajasthan Royals' retention list. Every club that participates is eager to have Buttler on their roster.

Buttler spent many seasons with the Mumbai-based squad under Rohit Sharma's supervision after making his IPL debut with MI in 2016. However, his long-term contributions to the inaugural winners have been immense, and his former team will dearly miss him in future editions. In just 11 matches, he has 359 runs and two three-digit mark numbers.  

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Chennai Super Kings should target for in the upcoming mega auction

Nehal Wadhera

Nehal Wadhera appears to be one of the candidates whose side may exercise their only RTM (Right-to-Match) in the next auction. However, it is strongly recommended that the team go all-in for him, as this would assist them in aligning with their future chances.

The southpaw is adept at countering both spin and speed. He has a decent attitude and can be a floater anywhere in the lineup. The 24-year-old joined the organisation in 2023 and was impressed with his bat, strengthening the middle order. In 2024, he has played six games and scored 109 runs, which may appear modest but has a lot of potential beneath. 

Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal, a young Indian bowler who can take wickets at any point of the game, is usually a popular pick at the IPL mega auction. Madhwal has amazed everyone throughout his two seasons in Mumbai. He joined the franchise in 2023 and had an immediate effect.

In his first-ever IPL edition, he grabbed 14 wickets in eight games, the best of which was 5/5. His rapid pace may give some batters nightmares during vital game moments. As a result, Madhwal might be one of the players the Mumbai Indians use their RTM on in the blockbuster action, but they still should go for him. In his 2024 tenure, he got five wickets in five games. 

As all 10 franchises gear up to lock horns in the upcoming mega auction in Riyadh later this month, most of their quest will be centered around looking for a new captain. The Indian wicketkeepers featuring the likes of Rishab Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer will also be in contention in this year’s mega auction race. 

As many as four IPL franchises have released their respective captains ahead of the grand Riyadh auction. Faf has been released by RCB, KL Rahul released by LSG, Pant released by DC, and Iyer released by the defending champions KKR to name a few. With sweeping changes expected across the horizon, we highlight some common problems the franchises are expected to encounter in this forthcoming auction. 

Common headaches for all franchises ahead of the IPL auction

As we have now learnt, teams have expressed their desire to let go of their captains. The exit of the past skippers will undoubtedly leave a power vacuum. KKR, RCB, LSG, and DC will be without their former captains who performed remarkably well for them over the years. The gap can also result in decreased performance and impact on the field as well as off-the-field relationships between the players and the coaching staff. In other words, with new talent onboard, success may not always be guaranteed as the players and the management need to starch from scratch while forging new relations. 

Besides, the departure of other veteran players like Pant or Iyer can leave the team vulnerable on the biggest of stages. Iyer, who was the winning captain of KRR last year comes with a lot of experience and the franchise could have certainly benefitted from him once again in the next season. However, the arrival of a fresh captain can potentially change the dynamics and the composure of the KKR team for the worse. 

While some teams are on the lookout for fresh talent to lead their side, others are also gearing up to find match-winners in the form of wicket-keepers such as Rishab Pant and KL Rahul.  The franchises will have a lot of tough decisions to make as we fast approach the mega auction so don't be surprised if they make any move out of the ordinary.  

Hardik Pandya, the dynamic Indian all-rounder, recently shared an image of his custom-made 'World Champion' ring, commemorating India’s T20 World Cup victory. His post instantly went viral, capturing the admiration of fans and sparking pride nationwide. Pandya’s influence in India's triumph, capped by his impressive performances both with bat and ball, has cemented his legacy in Indian cricket.

Hardik’s ‘World Champion’ ring: A tribute to T20 glory

Pandya’s ‘World Champion’ ring, featuring the T20 World Cup trophy design at its center, proudly displays “World” at the top and “Champion” inscribed at the bottom. It’s a fitting tribute to his role in India’s T20 World Cup win, where his 144 runs at a strike rate of 151.57 and 11 wickets at an economy of 7.64 were crucial. Pandya’s last-over heroics in the final match, where he defended 16 runs against South Africa, showcased his nerve and skill under pressure.

This victory also marked India’s first T20 World Cup title in 17 years, and Pandya’s contributions silenced critics who doubted him following his captaincy struggles with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. His post-victory celebrations and the viral image of him holding the trophy have only added to his popularity among fans.

See Also: Sundar & Jadeja shine, but New Zealand take the edge over India

Pandya to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 as core players are retained

Following his World Cup success, Mumbai Indians have shown faith in Pandya’s leadership by retaining him as captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Despite a challenging 2024 season that saw Mumbai finish at the bottom of the table, the franchise retained their core squad, including Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma, with Pandya earning INR 16.35 crore.

Mumbai Indians have INR 45 crore left for the 2025 auction as they prepare for another season with a solid core. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see Pandya return to IPL action, hoping he can bring the same tenacity and skill that led India to the T20 World Cup title.

The joint record holder five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced their retained players for the IPL 2025. 

Mumbai Indians are among the most successful teams in the T20 league history. Mumbai Indians won the IPL trophy in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Further, they finished as the runners-up in the IPL 2010. They also won the now-defunct Champions League T20 trophy twice (2011 and 2013).

In the last four seasons, Mumbai Indians failed to reach the final of the tournaments. In these seasons, they only reached the playoffs in the 2023 edition. 

Before the beginning of the IPL 2024, the long-time skipper Rohit Sharma stepped down from the captaincy role, under whom MI won five IPL trophies and one Champions League T20 trophy, and Hardik Pandya handled the captaincy role after returning to the team. However, it wasn’t a smooth run for him as MI finished in the 10th or last position at the IPL 2024. 

Mumbai Indians player retention

Mumbai Indians retained five capped players for INR 75 crore. The five-time IPL champions have INR 45 crore to complete the team at the mega auction. 

(Capped)

Jasprit Bumrah (Indian): INR 18 Crore

Suryakumar Yadav (Indian): INR 16.35 Crore

Hardik Pandya (Indian): INR 16.35 Crore

Rohit Sharma (Indian): INR 16.30 Crore

Tilak Verma (Indian): INR 8 Crore

(Uncapped)

None

Right-to-Match (RTM) card availability for the mega auction

1 uncapped player

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

See Also: Hero of 2022 Pakistan tour recalled by England for third Test

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.

Former India Seamer Paras Mhambrey has been appointed as Mumbai Indians bowling coach for the IPL 2025 season. Paras Mhambrey, who was previously an assistant coach with Mumbai Indians, will now work with current bowling coach Lasith Malinga under the team’s new head coach, Mahela Jayawardene.

Paras Mhambrey was part of Team India's World Cup 2024 winning campaign in the West Indies under Head Coach Rahul Dravid. He was also part of the Mumbai Indians' winning campaigns of IPL 2013 and Champions League T20.

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He has experience of coaching in Domestic cricket as he coached India A side. He led Bengal to consecutive Ranji Finals in 2005-06 and 2006-07. He played two Tests and three ODIs for Team India between the period of 1996 and 1998. He played Domestic Cricket for Team Mumbai, scalped 284 wickets in 91 first-class games and 111 wickets in 83 List-A games.

See Also:- Mahela Jayawardene returns to Mumbai Indians coaching

On Sunday, Mumbai Indians announced the return of Former Srilankan Captain Mahela Jayawardene as the head coach for the upcoming season. The team bid adieu to Head Coach Mark Boucher who served them between 2023 to 2024. Mark Boucher failed to take the team into the playoffs last season as they finished last in the points table with just 4 wins out of 14 matches under the leadership of Hardik Pandya.

So, Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene and his coaching staff now need to decide whom they should retain ahead of the Mega Auction as the deadline to submit the retentions is 31 October.

The five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have appointed Mahela Jayawardene as the head coach of the team.

Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene was previously the head coach of Mumbai Indians between 2017 and 2022. Under his previous coaching tenure, Mumbai Indians won three IPL trophies.  

Former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher was the previous head coach of Mumbai Indians. Boucher played the head coach role for the team for two years (2023 and 2024). While MI finished in the last or 10th place in the last IPL season, they were eliminated from the Qualifier 2 in the IPL 2023. 

In 2022, Jayawardene became the franchise’s global head of performance. Apart from the IPL, the MI franchise is present in UAE’s ILT20 (MI Emirates), South Africa’s SA20 (MI Cape Town), and the USA’s MLC (MI New York). 

Mahela Jayawardene on MI family

In the official statement on his MI head coach return, Jayawardene said, "My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution. In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever and we did very well. Now to return, at the same moment in history, where we look ahead at the future and the opportunity to further strengthen the love of MI, build on the vision of the owners, and continue to add to the history of Mumbai Indians, is an exciting challenge I am looking forward to."

Jayawardene is also working with the Hundred team Southern Brave and the Bangladesh Premier League team Khulna Titans. 

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working to finalise confirming the trading window and the IPL 2025 mega auction, one of the biggest questions for many Indian Premier League (IPL) fans is “Will Rohit Sharma continue his journey with the Mumbai Indians?” 

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is one of the greatest batters in the modern generation. The right-handed batter is the third-leading run-scorer in the IPL history with 6628 runs in 257 IPL matches. 

SEE ALSO: "I am focusing a lot on my game as an all-rounder" - Tilak Varma

Rohit Sharma is a legend for the Mumbai Indians

After joining the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2011, Rohit has played an important role in his team’s extraordinary successes. With 5731 runs in 221 matches, Rohit is the leading run-scorer of the Mumbai Indians. 

Mumbai Indians have recorded five IPL trophies and two now-defunct Champions League T20 trophies. Except for their first trophy (CLT20 2011), which was led by the former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, MI won all their next six trophies under the leadership of Rohit.

However, before the IPL 2024, MI team management decided to start a new era with the new captain, Hardik Pandya, who just rejoined the team. MI fans didn’t take that change well, while MI finished in the last position among the ten participants at the IPL 2024. However, Rohit was their leading run-scorer in that IPL season, finishing with 417 runs in 14 matches with an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150.00, including one century and one half-century. 

Although there are some reports of internal rift on the new captaincy appointment, we are now also hearing about Rohit’s possible departure from the MI ahead of the IPL 2025. 

I feel Rohit Sharma will not stay: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Rohit will not play for the Mumbai Indians anymore. He also feels that Rohit’s IPL 2025 team future will be decided during the pre-auction trading window. 

On his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "Will he stay or will he go? It's a big question. Personally, I feel he will not stay. Whoever is retained will be with the thinking that he will remain with you for three years, unless your name is MS Dhoni. MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings' story is very different but Rohit Sharma at MI, I feel he might himself leave or MI might leave him."

Chopra added, "Anything can happen but I don't think Rohit is going to be retained here. I don't have any information but I feel Rohit will probably be released. He might go to someone in the trade window, that's a possibility that he doesn't go to the auction, but if that doesn't happen, he might be seen in the auction. I feel his journey with the Mumbai Indians is over.”

I don't think Suryakumar Yadav will be traded: Aakash Chopra

There are also rumours of Suryakumar Yadav’s departure from the Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2025. However, Chopra feels that the present Indian T20I captain will stay in MI. 

Chopra commented "What are you asking? I don't think Suryakumar Yadav will be traded. I haven't heard anything like that. The Mumbai Indians won't leave Suryakumar Yadav and I feel Surya also won't leave either. Surya will be there. He is not going anywhere. Na, I don't think so. Surya will remain with the team. I don't know where you have read that.

Indian vice-captain Hardik Pandya shared that he’s been through a tough few months during a recent chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his home in New Delhi last Thursday.

During the IPL 2024 season, Pandya faced criticism from Mumbai Indians (MI) fans. He took over as captain from Rohit Sharma, but the team struggled, finishing last with only four wins in 14 matches.

However, Pandya bounced back during the T20 World Cup, scoring 144 runs at a strike rate of 150 and taking 11 wickets. His standout performance included key dismissals in the final against South Africa.

Hardik Pandya opens up about his personal and professional struggles

“Last 6 months have been very entertaining for me, there have been a lot of ups and downs and the public booed me. A lot of things happened and I always felt that if I give any answer, it would be through sports… So I believed that I would stay strong, will work hard” Pandya shared with Modi and the team during their discussion.

Following the World Cup, Pandya achieved the top spot in the ICC all-rounder rankings, a first for an Indian player. With Rohit Sharma stepping down from T20Is, Pandya is now a leading contender for the role of India’s new T20 captain.

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru got knocked out of the IPL 2024 Eliminator, it would probably mean the end for Dinesh Karthik’s cricket career. Karthik hinted he might have played his last Indian Premier League match after RCB lost the IPL 2024 Eliminator to Rajasthan on Wednesday. But there is no official announcement of retirement from the player yet.

However, Karthik took off his gloves and acknowledged the applause from the crowd after the heartbreaking defeat in the playoffs match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

DK on his retirement plan

Dinesh Karthik, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, had previously mentioned about the retirement from his cricketing career after the IPL 2024 season. Although he hasn’t officially announced his retirement, his demeanour during the Eliminator suggested otherwise.

See Also: Watch: Kohli shines on field with a brilliant run-out after scoring 8000 IPL runs

Meanwhile, Jio Cinema has already thanked Dinesh Karthik about the memories and shared a special poster on his IPL retirement.

An emotional response from crowd

As Karthik walked off the field amidst thunderous applause from the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, emotions ran high among fans and spectators. Moreover, one of the greatest finishers of IPL history, Dinesh Karthik also was seen receiving a Guard of Honour from his teammates.

Reflections on Karthik’s Career

Amid the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, Dinesh Karthik etched his name in the annals of IPL history by becoming the second-most capped player in the league, alongside Rohit Sharma.

Early years

Dinesh Karthik’s IPL journey began with the inaugural season 2008 when he donned the Delhi Daredevils jersey. His early years laid the foundation for a remarkable career in the league.

He started his IPL career with Delhi Capitals and played for them from IPL 2008 to 2010. He moved to Punjab Kings for a year and represented Mumbai Indians in IPL 2012 and 2013. Karthik returned to Delhi for a year in 2014. He had a one-year stint with RCB in 2015. Karthik was part of Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016 and 2017. He was part of Kolkata Knight Riders from IPL 2018 to 2021. The wicketkeeper-batsman led KKR from IPL 2018 to the middle of 2020. He was replaced by Eoin Morgan

One Last Time

Ahead of the 2022 edition of the league, Dinesh Karthik was released by KKR and was available for the IPL Mega Auction. He was bought by RCB for INR 5.5 crore. In the IPL 2022 mega-auction, Karthik returned to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp, marking his second stint with the franchise. His role as a finisher proved instrumental in RCB’s campaign.

In IPL 2024

Karthik played 15 matches in IPL 2024, scoring 326 runs at an average of 36.22. He struck at 187.36, pulling off the role of the finisher to perfection. He notched two half-centuries, hitting 27 fours and 22 maximums. With the glove, he took four catches and effected one stumping. Karthik played some memorable knocks during the campaign, but his best came against Sunrisers Hyderabad when he smashed 83 off 35 balls, albeit in a losing cause. In his last match, Karthik scored 11 off 13 deliveries as RCB posted 172 on board.

Karthik played 257 IPL matches, notching 4842 runs and remaining unbeaten 50 times, which is almost once every five innings. His average in the tournament has been a modest 26.32, but his strike rate has been fairly impressive at 135.36. He has scored 22 half-centuries, with the highest score of 97*. He scored 466 fours and 161 sixes, taking 145 catches and making 37 stump outs. His consistency and adaptability have earned him a revered status in the league. Karthik finished in the top 10 run-getters list in the history of the IPL.

He is the league’s second best wicketkeeper behind MS Dhoni with 174 dismissals – 145 catches, 37 stumpings. Dhoni heads with 190 dismissals – 148 catches, 42 stumpings.

Karthik formerly played for Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He also captained Kolkata Knight Riders between 2018 and 2020.

Dinesh Karthik’s Overall Stats

Dinesh Karthik’s Performance for Each Team

Most runs from No.4 or below in an IPL season
579 – Rishabh Pant (DC, 2018)
567 – Riyan Parag (RR, 2024)
538 – Rohit Sharma (MI, 2013)
513 – Glenn Maxwell (RCB, 2021)
498 – Dinesh Karthik (KKR, 2018)

Most ducks in the IPL
18 – Dinesh Karthik
18 – Glenn Maxwell
17 – Rohit Sharma
16 – Piyush Chawla
16 – Sunil Narine