Mumbai Indians will be looking forward to the IPL 2025 Auctions with bated breath. The five-time winners will be looking to put the bad season behind them and hope to re-enter the auction pool with renewed vigour. IPL 2024 was horrendous for Mumbai as they finished bottom of the table with just 4 wins.
Hardik Pandya’s elevation to captaincy didn’t sit down well with the fans and reportedly with some members of the team. Rohit Sharma’s removal from the captaincy had a huge effect on the team as it struggled during the course of the season. The focus will turn now to the likely retentions for the men in blue and gold.
As per the new rules set by the BCCI, any team can retain either 5 players or use one RTM card. The team can also choose to retain six players and miss out on a chance to use the RTM card. One can see that Mumbai Indians will likely go for five retentions and get one player via the Right To-Match card. There is no doubt that Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah will be retained. The focus will be on the rest of the players who will be held onto by the five-time IPL winners.
Also Check: 6 players that can fall under CSK’s retention scheme ft. MS Dhoni
Here's a look at the six players who MI can retain in the upcoming mega auction:
1- Suryakumar Yadav
India’s T20 skipper could be the top pick for the retention list by Mumbai. The 34-year-old is one of the key players for the team and his run scoring. Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the best batters for Mumbai and his 100 against SRH during IPL 2024 was one of the few highlights of the season.
2- Jasprit Bumrah
The 2nd key retention for Mumbai will be that of pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The 30-year-old has been one of the best bowler in the world for the last 18 months. Ambani’s know the immense value Bumrah adds to the team and his progression as a senior player. If Mumbai aspire to win their 6th IPL title they need to keep hold of Jasprit Bumrah for the next season.
3- Rohit Sharma
Despite Rohit Sharma being 37-years-old, Mumbai Indians know the value he holds. Rohit may have retired from T20I cricket but he still has a point to prove in the IPL. Now that the veteran star isn’t part of the international T20 format, he can contribute as a player. Mumbai might decide to retain Rohit ahead of Hardik Pandya for the overall experience he brings to the team.
4- Tilak Varma
Young batting sensation Tilak Varma has been one of Mumbai’s most consistent performers since his debut in 2022. The left-handed batter is seen as a key player and a huge batter in the middle-order. Tilak Varma has also been earmarked as the future of the team and a potential captaincy option.
5- Gerald Coetzee
As far as the overseas players are concerned, one can be sure that Gerald Coetzee will be in contention. The South African star has good pace and can be destructive with the new ball as well as towards the end of the innings. Despite having a mixed 1st season, one can expect the Mumbai team management to keep hold of the youngster.
Right to match card – Hardik Pandya
After a disastrous season as the captain, Hardik Pandya is likely to lose his leadership role. The all-rounder could be released by the team only to be picked up using the right to match card during the IPL 2025 auctions.