Mumbai Indians are reportedly set to reinstate Rohit Sharma as their captain for IPL 2027, ending Hardik Pandya’s tenure at the helm, according to The Indian Express.
The development comes after a turbulent IPL 2026 campaign for Mumbai Indians. Under Pandya’s captaincy, the side managed to win only four of their 14 league games, losing 10, and finished ninth in the standings. That result extended the franchise’s title drought to six years, with their last IPL trophy coming in 2020.
Rohit had initially put forward Tilak Varma’s name as a long-term captaincy option for the franchise. However, Mumbai Indians pushed back and sought Rohit’s own commitment.
“Rohit initially had suggested Tilak Varma’s name but the franchise has requested him to take over captaincy which he has now agreed. There were series of talks that had happened before him flying to New Zealand and Rohit’s suggestions were sought during appointment of new coaches as well,” a source told The Indian Express.
It should be noted that Mumbai Indians have denied reports of any internal discussions on this matter, as reported separately by NDTV. An official confirmation from the franchise on Rohit’s appointment is yet to be made public.
Why is Hardik Pandya being replaced as captain?
Pandya was brought back to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 through an all-cash trade from Gujarat Titans, and was immediately handed the captaincy. The decision drew significant criticism from the outset, given that Rohit had led the side to five IPL titles before being replaced.
Pandya’s stint in charge proved difficult on and off the field. Crowds at the Wankhede Stadium repeatedly booed him during home fixtures, reflecting the discontent among the fanbase. Midway through IPL 2026, with the team struggling badly, the franchise had reportedly explored the possibility of asking Rohit to take over the captaincy at that stage itself, though that did not materialise.
Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav were also considered as alternative captaincy options before the franchise ultimately settled on Rohit. Tilak Varma, meanwhile, remains in the frame as a long-term leadership prospect. On Pandya’s future with the club, reports indicate he has agreed to play under Rohit’s captaincy if a trade to another franchise does not go through.
What other changes has Mumbai Indians made ahead of IPL 2027?
Alongside the captaincy reshuffle, Mumbai Indians have overhauled their coaching staff for IPL 2027. Kieron Pollard has been appointed head coach, taking over from Mahela Jayawardene in that role.
Robin Uthappa has been named batting coach for the upcoming season. Uthappa has a prior association with the franchise, having represented Mumbai Indians during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Mitchell McClenaghan, the New Zealand left-arm pacer, has been appointed bowling coach, replacing Lasith Malinga. McClenaghan played for Mumbai Indians between 2015 and 2020, during which the side won four IPL titles.
T Dilip has been brought in as fielding coach, while Dhawal Kulkarni has been appointed development bowling coach. Kulkarni, a former Mumbai Indians player, was part of the squad during their title-winning campaigns in 2013 and 2020 across multiple stints with the franchise.
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Rohit’s record as Mumbai Indians captain remains the benchmark in the franchise’s history. He led the side to five IPL titles, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, a tally that places him level with MS Dhoni for the most IPL titles won as captain.
