Mumbai Indians (MI) could have a new captain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season, with questions being raised over Hardik Pandya’s future at the franchise.
While MI are yet to make an official announcement, former India spinner R Ashwin has backed Rohit Sharma to return as captain. Ashwin believes Rohit’s experience and strong bond with Kieron Pollard could help the five-time champions improve their performance. Interestingly, Ashwin did not back Suryakumar Yadav for the role, despite the Indian batter leading India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title. MI are expected to announce their list of retained and released players before the mini-auction, which could also provide more clarity on their leadership plans.
Why Does R Ashwin Want Rohit Sharma To Return As MI Captain?
Ashwin believes Rohit is the best option for Mumbai Indians if they want to make changes to their leadership before IPL 2027. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India spinner said Rohit’s experience could help the franchise address its problems in a short period.
‘I think Rohit and Pollard can be a good combination. This might happen, I don’t know. I am sure Hardik will not be there. His chances of staying there are very low,’ Ashwin said.
He also explained why he sees Rohit as the leading candidate for the job.
‘It is Rohit. So I think it is an obvious choice, at least for this year. He is a frontrunner for me. He has a good bond with Polly also,’ he added.
Ashwin’s comments have added to the discussion around MI’s captaincy. However, the franchise has not officially confirmed any change, and Hardik’s future remains subject to an official announcement.
Why Did Ashwin Ignore Suryakumar Yadav For The Captaincy Role?
Suryakumar Yadav is another name that could come up in the discussion, but Ashwin does not appear to see him as the right choice for MI’s captaincy at this stage.
Suryakumar has been part of Mumbai Indians’ leadership group since 2023. However, he has never been appointed the team’s full-time captain and has only led the side when standing in for the regular skipper.
MI have won two and lost three of the five matches in which Suryakumar has led them.
Ashwin also pointed to the challenges facing the franchise and questioned who could make the required changes in the limited time available before the next mega auction.
‘Suryakumar is out of the Indian team. I don’t see him captaining MI. It has become a big problem. This team needs to fix a lot of things now,’ Ashwin said.
Despite Suryakumar’s success as India’s captain in the 2026 T20 World Cup, Ashwin believes Rohit’s experience with Mumbai Indians makes him a stronger candidate for the role.
How Many IPL Titles Has Rohit Sharma Won As MI Captain?
Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful captains in IPL history. He took charge of Mumbai Indians during the 2013 season and led the franchise to its first IPL title in the same year.
MI went on to win four more titles under him in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. The team also won the 2013 Champions League Twenty20 title during his time as captain.
Rohit’s success helped Mumbai Indians become one of the strongest teams in the competition. His ability to manage experienced players and make important decisions during pressure situations played a key role in the team’s success.
However, MI removed Rohit as captain before IPL 2024 and appointed Hardik Pandya as his replacement. The decision came after Hardik returned to the franchise from Gujarat Titans.
Since then, Mumbai Indians have struggled to reach the IPL final under Hardik’s leadership. They have failed to make the final in the three seasons following his appointment, increasing the pressure on the team’s management to find the right combination.
Will Hardik Pandya Leave Mumbai Indians Before IPL 2027?
Hardik’s future has become a major talking point ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction. Ashwin has suggested that the all-rounder’s chances of remaining with MI are very low, but the franchise has not officially confirmed his departure.
If Hardik leaves, Mumbai Indians will need to decide who should lead the team in the next season. Rohit’s experience and previous success make him a strong candidate, while Suryakumar could also come into the discussion because of his leadership experience with India.
MI have also appointed Kieron Pollard as their new coach, according to the information provided. His relationship with Rohit could become an important factor if the franchise considers bringing the former captain back to the role.
The list of retained and released players is expected to provide more clarity on MI’s plans. Until the franchise makes an official announcement, however, any change in captaincy or Hardik’s future remains speculation.
When Will Mumbai Indians Announce Their IPL 2027 Retained Players?
IPL franchises have until the middle of November to submit their lists of retained and released players ahead of the mini-auction.
Mumbai Indians will have to make important decisions about their squad and leadership before the auction. The franchise may also need to address the areas where it has struggled in recent seasons.
Rohit’s possible return as captain will remain one of the biggest talking points among MI fans. His five IPL titles with the franchise give him a strong record, while Ashwin believes his experience could help the team make the right changes.
For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement from Mumbai Indians to learn whether Rohit will return as captain, Hardik will remain with the team, or the franchise will consider another option.