Mumbai Indians' Retention Plan For IPL 2025: Who Makes The Cut?

Mumbai Indians (MI) concluded their IPL 2024 league stage with a home defeat to Lucknow Super Giants, marking their second last-place finish in three seasons.

The five-time champions, who reached the qualifier 2 last season, aimed to reclaim their competitive edge. To achieve this, MI traded former player Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans in a cash-only deal.

Before the 2024 IPL Auction, MI retained their core squad and added Pandya to replace Cameron Green, who was traded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, Pandya's return had mixed reactions, which worsened when he replaced Rohit Sharma as captain for the 2024 season.

The leadership change did not sit well with fans and some players, as social media reactions showed dismay. The season ended poorly, leaving MI to rebuild around their new captain.

The IPL 2025 auction will be a mega event like in 2022 when MI had to release several players, including Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Krunal Pandya. They retained Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Reports suggest teams may be allowed only four retentions. However, franchise owners have requested the BCCI to permit up to eight retentions. Official confirmation is pending, but a minimum of four retentions is likely. Additionally, a Right To Match (RTM) card could be available for each team.

If only four players can be retained, MI faces tough decisions on who to keep and release as they aim to build a competitive squad for future seasons.

Several players are on MI's retention radar but many will have to be released ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, expected between December 2024 and February 2025.

Hardik Pandya is likely the first retention as captain. Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah are also strong candidates due to their irreplaceable roles in the team.

Former captain Rohit Sharma's tenure with MI may have ended, but other Indian stars could be targeted during the auction. MI might avoid retaining overseas players due to inconsistency among the current lot.

With only three Indian capped players allowed for retention, MI might aim to buy back Ishan Kishan at the auction like in 2022. Tilak Varma could also be a target if an RTM card is available.

Overseas players like Tim David and Gerald Coetzee are tempting options but may be considered during the auction. Mega Auctions typically see less inflated prices compared to mini auctions.

MI Retention List 2025

• Hardik Pandya - retained
• Suryakumar Yadav - retained
• Jasprit Bumrah - retained
• Tilak Varma - RTM