Mumbai Indians (MI) are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With a remarkable record of competing in all 17 editions of this lucrative cricket league, the Mumbai-based team has secured the championship title five times. However, in the 2024 season, MI faced significant challenges, finishing at the bottom of the points table. With an eye on redemption, the MI will be determined to turn the tide in 2025 and become the first franchise to clinch six IPL titles.
Retention strategy of Mumbai Indians
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, MI have the opportunity to retain up to six players from their 2024 squad. This strategic decision is crucial, especially given the presence of promising Indian talent within the team. The Ambani-owned franchise aims to utilize this chance to bolster their lineup, focusing on both experienced players and emerging stars. The IPL management has introduced new player retention rules that allow each franchise to retain a maximum of six players using Retentions and the Right to Match (RTM) options. Notably, there is no cap on the number of overseas players that can be retained, providing teams with the flexibility to shape their rosters effectively.
6 players MI can retain ahead of IPL 2025:
1. Rohit Sharma: The Pillar of MI
Rohit Sharma stands as the cornerstone of the MI. Since joining the franchise in 2011, the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team has accumulated an impressive 5,458 runs in 212 IPL matches. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding MI to five IPL championships in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Notably, Rohit finished as MI’s leading run-scorer in the 2024 season, showcasing his enduring form and reliability. His presence not only provides stability at the top of the order but also inspires confidence among his teammates.
2. Hardik Pandya: A Key All-Rounder
Hardik Pandya is a critical component of the MI setup, particularly in the middle order. After being traded from the Gujarat Titans (GT), he was appointed as the team’s captain. Despite a challenging start in his leadership role, the 30-year-old all-rounder has demonstrated his potential as a match-winner. Over 106 matches, he has scored 1,692 runs and taken 53 wickets, showcasing his all-round abilities. His performances in the last T20 World Cup were indicative of his capability to change the course of a game, making him an invaluable asset for MI moving forward.
Also READ: Tom Moody reveals his take on Hardik Pandya’s retention ahead of IPL 2025
3. Suryakumar Yadav: Versatile and Reliable
Suryakumar Yadav is a modern T20 batting prodigy and an essential part of MI’s batting arsenal. As the T20I captain for India, he has established himself as one of the leading run-scorers in the format. In 96 matches for MI, he has amassed 2,986 runs, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His aggressive batting style, coupled with his ability to adapt to different match situations, adds depth to MI’s lineup. Moreover, Suryakumar’s experience in captaincy at various levels enhances his value to the team, making him a potential leader for the future.
4. Jasprit Bumrah: A Bowling Asset
Jasprit Bumrah is a standout performer in the MI bowling attack, known for his exceptional skill and wicket-taking ability. Since making his IPL debut in 2013, Bumrah has claimed 165 wickets in 133 matches, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest bowlers in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl in the death overs and execute yorkers with precision makes him a game-changer. As a key member of MI’s five championship-winning squads, Bumrah’s experience and expertise will be crucial as the team aims to reclaim its status as a dominant force in the IPL.
5. Tim David: The Power-Hitting Finisher
The inclusion of Tim David may surprise some, but his explosive batting style in the death overs has proven to be valuable. Acquired for Rs 8.50 crore in the IPL 2022 auction, David was expected to fill the void left by the legendary Kieron Pollard. While his performance has been inconsistent, he has still delivered match-winning innings, notably scoring 186 runs at a strike rate of 216.27 in his debut season. In 2024, David amassed 241 runs at an average of 30.12, demonstrating his potential as a reliable finisher. His ability to clear boundaries with ease adds a crucial dimension to MI’s batting lineup.
6. Shams Mulani: A Versatile Utility Player
Shams Mulani’s role as an all-rounder may not be heavily highlighted, but he brings significant value to the Mumbai Indians. His dual capability allows MI to strengthen their lower-middle order while maintaining flexibility in team composition. As an all-rounder, Mulani can contribute both with bat and ball, offering stability in tight situations. His bowling versatility enables MI to adapt their strategy mid-game, ensuring they remain competitive regardless of the opposition or match conditions. Mulani’s potential to deliver in crucial moments makes him a valuable asset for the franchise.