Mumbai Indians (MI) are likely to reinstate Rohit Sharma as their captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027. Sports Tak has learnt that the franchise's top management has moved on from Hardik Pandya after a lacklustre run as captain. While there are a few other captaincy candidates in the current squad, Rohit is likely to take the leadership role again.
Rohit has led MI to five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. After three title-less seasons, they roped back Hardik from Gujarat Titans (GT) and made him captain, a move which led to widespread backlash from MI fans. Under Hardik's leadership, MI qualified for playoffs once in the 2025 edition. The other two seasons were substandard for MI.
In Hardik's absence during previous edition, MI had two captains. India's T20 World Cup 2026-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav led in Hardik's absence whereas Jasprit Bumrah donned the captaincy hat as well. After MI finished ninth in IPL 2026 points table, India's current T20I vice-captain Tilak's name was also reportedly discussed as Hardik's successor. But, the top management intends to back Rohit’s experience for IPL 2027.
What happens to Hardik after Rohit takes over?
Reportedly, Hardik had made up his mind to leave MI during last season. There was interest from a few franchise to acquire his services but the rumour mill has not churned out a new update of late. The trade deal that makes most sense is the one between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and MI. RR can trade opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for Hardik.
In doing so, RR will gain a pace-bowling all-rounder with serious hitting ability. For MI, Jaiswal can be a long-term investment. He can open the innings alongside Rohit and can be a captaincy candidate for future as well. But, this would mean MI will have to demote or drop Ryan Rickelton, their highest run-scorer previous season. Also, it won’t leave a place for Quinton de Kock. This will give MI more space for overseas bowlers and all-rounders. Especially, if Hardik leaves, MI will need a pace-bowling all-rounder in the side. Currently, they have Corbin Bosch for that role but he is unlikely to be as consistent as Hardik.
When in-form Hardik can be a good addition to each and every franchise in the IPL. There were rumours of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showing interest as well. If CSK rope him in, it is likely to be an all-cash deal. Similarly, DC need a dependable batter in the middle who can be reliable with pace. For Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the trade will work if they opt to give Cameron Green and Nicholas Pooran respectively.
At the moment, Hardik is not released by MI. The picture will be clear on November 15, the deadline to unveil the list of retained players.
Why Suryakumar, Tilak didn’t get captaincy?
There is a clear answer to why Bumrah wasn’t considered as captain. The history of injuries would’ve led to him not getting the leadership role. But, Suryakumar was a valid candidate. So far, he has led MI in five IPL games, winning two and losing three. When Suryakumar led in Hardik’s absence, it was assumed that he may take over captaincy next season, especially after the high of T20 World Cup 2026 win. A below par season with the bat and him facing the axe from India T20I team altogether may have contributed to MI’s decision. In IPL 2026, he scored 270 runs from 13 innings, even lesser than Rohit who played four fewer games.
Then, Tilak emerged as a candidate. He has been captaining Hyderabad. He led the South Zone as well. He has led India A too, most recently on Sri Lankan soil. He is in India’s plans for leadership role as well serving as captain Shreyas Iyer’s deputy. Despite all positive signs, MI would’ve thought that he needs more experience as a leader. It is possible that MI wants him to learn from Rohit and take over the reigns eventually if his returns with the bat become more consistent this season.
A final hurrah for Rohit?
MI were often accused of disrespecting Rohit by demoting him as a player. There were also reports of a divide in the MI dressing room which contributed to a poor season. The franchise may have come to a conclusion that the team is better united with Rohit as a leader who won’t play many seasons. He will be 40 years old during IPL 2027 and it may turn out to be his last season before he hangs up his boots. Also, he can groom the next captain, the most prominent name being Tilak Varma.
Rohit’s MI captaincy numbers
Rohit was given the captaincy of MI midway through IPL 2013 when Ricky Ponting stepped down from the role. He led the team to their first IPL title that season. Overall, he has led MI in 163 games, winning 93 including two super over wins. Under him, MI have lost 70 featuring two super over losses. He has a win percentage of 55.82 which is only better by Sachin Tendulkar (MI captains with 10 or more matches).
The last time Rohit led MI was in 2023. MI made it to playoffs and Qualifier 2. But, they were knocked out by Hardik-led GT.
MI squad ahead of IPL 2027 mini-auction
Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rohit Sharma, Sherfane Rutherford, Mayank Rawat, Robin Minz, Danish Malewar, Mahipal Lomror, Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Krish Bhagat, Ruchit Ahir, Atharva Ankolekar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, AM Ghazanfar, Mohammed Izhar, Ashwani Kumar, Keshav Maharaj, Mayank Markande, Raghu Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Mitchell Santner, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton.
Players MI can release
While there is an uncertainty around Hardik, MI can release the likes of Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Santner, and Ghazanfar. Chahar bagged eight wickets from eight games whereas Bolt registered just two scalps from five games. The left-arm pacer's economy rate was 11.62 runs per over. They may look to release a few uncapped Indian players who no longer fit their setup.