Five-time champions Mumbai Indians have experienced a tumultuous period in recent IPL seasons. With Hardik Pandya's return from the Gujarat Titans and subsequent appointment as captain in IPL 2024, the franchise has undergone a massive overhaul.
The team's retention strategy also faced challenges, particularly due to speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's future. Despite leading Team India to the T20 World Cup 2024 title, Rohit announced his retirement from T20I cricket, raising questions about his long-term commitment to the Mumbai Indians. The uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma's future with the Mumbai Indians raised concerns about the team's core. There were speculations that Suryakumar Yadav might also leave the franchise if Rohit departed. However, Rohit's decision to stay with MI ensured the team's core remained intact for the IPL 2025 season.
In terms of retentions, Jasprit Bumrah was the highest-paid player, securing a contract worth Rs 18 crore, reflecting his crucial role in the team's bowling attack. Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav were retained for Rs 16.35 crore each, while Rohit Sharma was retained for Rs 16.3 crore.
It was Rohit Sharma who devised the retention strategy for MI
According to a source from the Mumbai Indians, it was Rohit Sharma who devised the retention strategy for the team. He suggested to team CEO Akash Ambani that Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav, being key players for the Indian national team, should be retained as the top three picks.
“He (Rohit) was the one who said that Bumrah, Hardik and Surya play for India so they need to be in the top three,” a MI source was quoted as saying by Indian Express newspaper.
When it came to determining the highest-paid retained player, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya were unanimous in their decision to prioritize Jasprit Bumrah.
“It has a lot to do with the respect Bumrah has in the team and his importance to the side,” the source added.
Regarding the captaincy role, Rohit Sharma once again took the initiative. Following discussions about the mistakes made by captain Hardik Pandya and the team management in the previous season, the decision was made to reinstate former coach Mahela Jayawardene to replace Mark Boucher.
“If we had made a change, it would have been three captains in three years. That wouldn’t have worked,” the MI source said.
Rohit Sharma happy with this retention at MI
Rohit Sharma expressed his delight right after getting retained by MI, emphasising the special connection he shares with his hometown team. He highlighted the memorable performances he has achieved while representing Mumbai.
“I’m thrilled to be part of Mumbai Indians yet again. I have played so much cricket in Mumbai, this is the place where I started my cricket career. So this city is very, very special. Obviously, when you play for such a long time, you create so many memories with the team,” said Rohit.
“We haven’t had the best of the season in the last two or three years. But we are quite determined to change that,” he added.
“Since I have retired from the format, I think this is the perfect [retention] spot for me. 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,” Rohit concluded.
