Mumbai Indians (MI) have confirmed that Hardik Pandya will continue to lead the five-time champions in the upcoming IPL 2025, despite a challenging 2024 campaign that saw the franchise bottom out for the second time in its 17-year history.
Mumbai Indians’ (MI) bold decision to retain Hardik Pandya as captain set the stage for a high-risk comeback under his leadership next year. On Thursday, October 31, Mumbai Indians (MI) announced the retention of key powerhouses Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma and rising star Tilak Varma, along with Hardik Pandya.
Mumbai Indians (MI) retain Hardik Pandya as captain after finishing last in 2024
This strategic retention not only secured the backbone of MI’s lineup but also highlighted the franchise’s masterful play in navigating the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, having secured these icons for a total of INR 75 crore.
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With INR 45 crore still in the bank, the Mumbai-based franchise is all set to build a strong force around its top stars in the upcoming auction. Jasprit Bumrah was signed by the Mumbai franchise for INR 18 crore, becoming MI’s top retainer for the first time in his IPL career.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav each signed a deal worth INR 16.35 crore as MI’s prized assets. On the other hand, former captain and face of MI since 2011, Rohit Sharma, was retained for INR 16.30 crore, while young sensation Tilak Varma was secured for INR 8 crore.
MI locks Bumrah, Suryakumar, Rohit, Tilak and Hardik ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction
MI said in an official statement: “Mumbai Indians proudly announce the retention of their core players – JJasprit Bumrah, Surya Kumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma, with Hardik all set to lead the team as captain in the upcoming IPL 2025. season. Known for their excellent performance and commitment, these players have been instrumental in the success of Mumbai Indians and are ready to bring renewed focus, energy and dedication to the team.”
Team owner Akash Ambani stated: “We have always believed that the strength of a family lies at its core, and this belief has been reinforced during the course of recent events. We are delighted that Jasprit, Surya, Hardik, Rohit and Tilak, players who have become synonymous with our team and the brand of cricket we represent, will continue MI’s strong legacy.
Last month, MI’s core group, along with our coaching staff, met and worked closely to establish a shared vision for MI. This unified effort reestablishes MI’s commitment to building strong trust and ownership among our core group, our fans and other stakeholders. “We will strive to continue playing the passionate cricket that everyone expects of us.”
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“We have always believed that the strength of a family lies at its core and this belief has been reinforced during the course of recent events.
We are delighted that Jasprit, Surya, Hardik, Rohit and… pic.twitter.com/G70B6DyZhw
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 31, 2024
Hardik Pandya endured tough 2024 season
Notably, Hardik Pandya had a challenging IPL 2024 season, facing criticism and boos from fans at almost every stadium he played in, including Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Anger among fans was intense after he was traded from the Gujarat Titans (GT) and took over the captaincy from veteran MI skipper Rohit Sharma, who won five titles for the team.
Given the off-field turmoil, Hardik could only make 216 runs and also struggled with the ball, taking 11 wickets at a poor economy rate of 10.75. He failed to deliver as a player and captain of the franchise earlier this year, putting immense pressure on the star all-rounder.