Mumbai Indians to Drop Rohit Sharma before IPL 2025

When shaping a winning team, strategic player retention can significantly influence future success. As the Mumbai Indians prepare for the upcoming season, assessing which players to retain becomes crucial. MI should consider keeping certain key players and retaining these players is not only about past performances but also their potential to contribute significantly in the future. Their roles and capabilities highlight why they are crucial for MI’s continued success.

Mumbai Indians to take Tough Calls before the IPL 2025 Auction

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya’s role as the captain of MI makes him a vital part of the team’s structure. His leadership and all-round skills have been instrumental in previous seasons, despite a noticeable dip in performance over the past year. In 2024, Pandya managed only 216 runs at an average of 18.00 and took 11 wickets, a stark contrast to his impressive performance in 2019, where he scored 402 runs at an average of 44.66 and claimed 14 wickets.

However, Pandya’s value extends beyond mere statistics. His ability to lead and his experience, particularly in high-pressure situations, are assets that cannot be easily replaced. While his recent numbers are underwhelming, his past contributions and potential to bounce back are strong reasons for MI to retain him.

Hardik Pandya – IPL Batting Career Summary

M	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	50	4s	6s
137	128	40	2525	91	28.69	1734	145.62	0	10	189	136

Hardik Pandya – IPL Bowling Career Summary

M	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W
137	93	1418	2150	64	3/17	3/17	9.1	33.59	22.16	0

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is an indispensable part of MI’s bowling attack. In 2024, he delivered outstanding performances, taking 20 wickets in 13 matches with an average of 16.80 and an economy rate of 6.48. This is a significant improvement from his performance in 2022, where he took 15 wickets at an average of 25.53.

Bumrah’s ability to bowl effectively in both the powerplay and death overs, combined with his record of 165 wickets in 133 matches, makes him a key player for MI. His consistent high performance, especially in recent seasons, highlights his value as a world-class bowler who can change the course of a match single-handedly.

Jasprit Bumrah – IPL Bowling Career Summary

M	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W
133	133	3053	3716	165	5/10	5/10	7.3	22.52	18.5	2

Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav’s recent performances make him a stronger candidate for retention over Rohit Sharma. In 2024, Yadav scored 345 runs in 11 matches at an average of 34.50 and a strike rate of 167.48, showing a significant improvement from his 2021 season, where he averaged just 22.64. His exceptional form is also reflected in his performances over the last few years, with a striking rate of 181.14 in 2023 and 145.01 in 2020.

Suryakumar Yadav’s ability to consistently score runs at a high strike rate makes him a more reliable and impactful player compared to Sharma, whose recent performance has been less consistent. Retaining Yadav provides MI with a dynamic batsman who can adapt to various match situations and add significant value to the team’s batting lineup.

Suryakumar Yadav – IPL Batting Career Summary

M	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	50	4s	6s
150	135	23	3594	103	32.09	2473	145.33	2	24	385	130

Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma’s recent performances suggest he is a better choice for retention than Nehal Wadhera. In 2024, Varma scored 416 runs in 13 matches at an average of 41.60 and a strike rate of 149.64, demonstrating a consistent and impactful presence. His performances in previous seasons, including 343 runs in 11 matches in 2023, further emphasize his growing importance to the team.

Tilak Varma’s adaptability and ability to score runs across different conditions make him a valuable player for MI. In contrast, Wadhera’s recent stats have not shown the same level of consistency or impact. Varma’s potential and performance justify his retention over Wadhera.

Tilak Varma – IPL Batting Career Summary

M	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	50	4s	6s
38	38	9	1156	84	39.86	790	146.33	0	6	90	58

Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee has shown promise as a key bowler for MI. In 2024, he took 13 wickets in 10 matches with an average of 26.23 and an economy rate of 10.18. His standout performance includes a best bowling figure of 4/34. Coetzee’s ability to perform well on Mumbai’s pace-friendly pitches and adapt to various conditions adds depth to MI’s bowling attack. Moreover, he compliments Bumrah with his fast bowling, making them a dual threat at the Wankhede Stadium.

Furthermore, his role in providing key breakthroughs and his potential for future development make him an essential player for the team. Although his economy rate is higher, his wicket-taking ability and performances suggest he has a lot to offer in the upcoming seasons.

Gerald Coetzee – IPL Bowling Career Summary

M	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W
10	10	201	341	13	4/34	4/34	10.18	26.23	15.46	0