Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Rohit Sharma to return as Mumbai Indians captain for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, describing the former skipper as the obvious choice to lead the franchise.
Ashwin believes Mumbai need an experienced leader who commands respect in the dressing room and can address the team’s problems before the next mega auction. His comments come after Mumbai Indians appointed former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as head coach for the 2027 season, replacing Mahela Jayawardene. However, the franchise has not officially announced any change in captaincy, and Rohit’s possible return to the leadership role remains a matter of speculation.
Ashwin shared his assessment on his Hindi YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, where he discussed Mumbai Indians’ leadership requirements and the challenges facing the five-time IPL champions. He argued that the franchise needed someone capable of making important decisions quickly, given the limited time available before the next mega auction, scheduled for 2028. According to Ashwin, Rohit’s experience, familiarity with the team’s culture and established relationships within the squad make him a strong candidate. He also highlighted the potential benefits of Rohit’s existing relationship with Pollard, suggesting that the two could work effectively together as the franchise looks to rebuild its competitiveness.
“This team needs a leader who has the respect of the dressing room. This is the last year before the mega auction. They also need to fix a lot of things. Who has the experience to fix these things in this short time? It is Rohit,” Ashwin said. He subsequently described Rohit as the frontrunner for the role, adding that the former Mumbai Indians captain has a good bond with Pollard. Ashwin’s assessment places considerable emphasis on leadership experience and familiarity with the franchise rather than simply selecting a captain based on individual performances. His remarks also underline the importance of stability as Mumbai attempt to recover from a disappointing campaign and prepare for the next season.
Rohit remains Mumbai Indians’ most successful captain, having guided the franchise to five IPL titles between 2013 and 2020. Under his leadership, Mumbai established themselves as one of the most successful teams in the competition, winning championships in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. He stepped down from the captaincy ahead of the 2024 season after Hardik Pandya returned to the franchise from Gujarat Titans. Hardik had previously led Gujarat to the IPL title in 2022 and the final in 2023, making his appointment at Mumbai a major talking point. However, the transition was accompanied by considerable debate among supporters, many of whom questioned the decision to replace Rohit after his successful tenure.
Hardik’s tenure at Mumbai has produced mixed results. The franchise finished at the bottom of the standings in his first season as captain in 2024 before reaching Qualifier 2 in 2025. Mumbai’s campaign in 2026 proved disappointing again, with the team finishing ninth. The results have intensified discussion about the franchise’s leadership and the changes needed to restore its competitiveness. Nevertheless, there has been no official confirmation that Hardik will be removed as captain or that Rohit will be reinstated. Mumbai’s final decision will depend on the franchise’s plans for its squad, its assessment of the team’s recent performances and the leadership structure it wants to establish for the upcoming season.
Ashwin also expressed doubts about Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah taking over the captaincy at Mumbai Indians. Both players have significant experience at the international level, but Ashwin believes Rohit is better placed to address the franchise’s immediate requirements. Suryakumar has led India’s T20I team, while Bumrah has captained India in international cricket. Their leadership credentials nevertheless leave the franchise with alternatives if it decides to make a change. Other players could also enter the discussion as Mumbai evaluate their options. At this stage, Ashwin’s comments represent his personal assessment rather than an indication of a confirmed decision by the team management.
The appointment of Pollard as head coach adds another dimension to the captaincy debate. Pollard spent years with Mumbai Indians as a player and later worked as the franchise’s batting coach. His promotion is part of the team’s preparations for the 2027 campaign, as Mumbai seek to improve their performances after several inconsistent seasons. Ashwin believes the familiarity between Rohit and Pollard could help the franchise address its immediate challenges. Whether that combination materialises, however, remains uncertain. With the new season approaching, Mumbai Indians must determine their leadership plans, assess the squad and identify the changes required to challenge for another IPL title. Until an official announcement is made, Rohit’s potential return as captain remains a proposal backed by Ashwin rather than a confirmed development.