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The Mumbai Indians (MI) had a miserable campaign in the 2024 Indian Premier League. They finished dead last in the standings, continuing their indifferent run in the tournament since their title win in 2020.
Hardik Pandya's acquisition via a pre-auction trade with the Gujarat Titans didn't go to plan, with the five-time champions being in the news for all the wrong reasons. However, Mumbai are very much in control of their own destiny, with plenty of talent in their ranks.
MI have plenty of players they'd like to keep hold of, some more so than others. While it might be time for some of the senior players in the side to move on, a few key names need to be secured at all costs.
On that note, here are three players MI must retain ahead of IPL 2025.
#3 Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya's IPL 2024 campaign was something out of a horror movie. He was booed by his own fans as reports of dressing-room issues dominated mainstream media coverage of his team. The all-rounder was also far from his best with bat and ball as Mumbai finished dead last in the standings.
However, Hardik has only gone from strength from strength since then. He was one of India's standout players at the 2024 T20 World Cup, making important contributions in both departments. The 31-year-old was also in sensational hitting form during the recently concluded Bangladesh T20I series and seems to finding his prime once again.
Moreover, MI will not be able to find a domestic pace-bowling all-rounder of Hardik's pedigree at the auction. The profile he offers is extremely rare, and MI need to lock him down irrespective of whether they decide to hand him the reins.
#2 Suryakumar Yadav
The #1 ranked T20I batter in the world, Suryakumar Yadav wasn't at his consistent best in IPL 2024. A couple of injuries halted his rhythm, and MI's overall problems seemed to reflect in his own batting form.
Nevertheless, it's absolutely obvious that MI need to retain Suryakumar ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Now India's captain in the shortest format, the dynamic batter is still at the top of his game and offers incredible attacking gears against both pace and spin to any team he is part of.
Suryakumar might even be a better option that Hardik to lead the franchise in the upcoming edition of the IPL. Loved by fans across the country, he's an easy choice to be retained in one of the most lucrative spots.
#1 Jasprit Bumrah
MI are blessed enough to have Jasprit Bumrah, undoubtedly the world's best bowler. He was at his inimitable best in IPL 2025 in a bowling attack that struggled to support him, and he has been sensational across formats since coming back from a back injury that forced him to miss out on the 2023 edition of the league.
Bumrah's all-phase caliber and reliability are simply unmatchable. Mumbai need to shell out as much as it takes to keep him on their books. While there were reports suggesting that the ace spearhead was unhappy with developments in the team last season, the franchise would be silly not to give him everything he wants.
Bumrah would probably be the most obvious retention pick across all 10 franchises in the IPL.
