NEWS
Follow UsThe 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma doesn’t have any problem being Mumbai Indians’ fourth pick in the retention list, which was announced on October 31 (Thursday). Rohit, who retired from T20Is after the T20WC, was retained for INR 16.3 crore.
Mumbai have retained Jasprit Bumrah for INR 18 crore, while Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav have been retained for INR 16.35 crore. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma has been kept for INR 8 crore. Mumbai will enter the auction with a purse of INR 45 crore and can use their one RTM on an uncapped player.
Also read - IPL 2025 Retention Updates
Rohit, who has led MI to five titles, was removed from captaincy last year and Pandya was named the new skipper. Mumbai could only win four out of their 14 games and finished last on the points table. However, Pandya will continue to lead MI despite Suryakumar being named India’s new T20I captain.
“I have played so much cricket in Mumbai, this is the place where I started my cricket career. So this city is very, very special. Obviously, when you play for such a long time, you create so many memories with the team. We haven’t had the best of the season in the last two or three years. But we are quite determined to change that,” said Rohit.
“Since I have retired from the format, I think this is the perfect spot for me. The players who are representing the national team at the highest level should get the preference. That’s what I believe in and I am quite happy with it.”
Reacting on the five retentions, Pandya said: “It’s been fantastic. I have received a lot of love back. It means the world to me. I have always mentioned my journey started here. Everything that I have achieved in my life has come being part of Mumbai Indians. Every year is a special year and this is going to be an even more special year.
“Five people who have cherished good memories together. We are five fingers but one fist. That’s how I look at it. Brotherhood, friendship, and we are going to back each other no matter what.”
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed Pandya will continue to lead the side and said all the senior players are aligned in the same direction. “We had an extensive discussion. These four senior guys led those discussions.
“Obviously, whatever happened last season, we connected about moving forward. It was crucial for us to align in that one direction. So coaching staff, owners, management and these four guys played a major role. Hardik's been appointed captain, and we had that conversation with them, and there's the role every retention of ours will play.”
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