Mumbai Indians likely to retain both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya for IPL 2025; Rajasthan Royals decide on 3 Indian players: Reports

Mumbai Indians (MI) are reportedly set to retain skipper Hardik Pandya and his predecessor Rohit Sharma ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, despite the controversy and drama that gripped the franchise last year. Apart from them, they'd also retain ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and India's new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

The Indian Express reported the same on Thursday (October 17). The newspaper also claimed that after shelling out ₹61 crore for the four aforementioned players, the franchise would look to use its Right to Match option for Australian batter Tim David while hoping to get back Ishan Kishan in the auction.

The IPL has allowed every team to retain or use the Right to Match option for six players in total. Five of these can be capped/overseas and a maximum of two can be uncapped, with the costs starting at ₹18 crore for the first and fourth retentions.

MI had their worst-ever IPL season in 2024. It coincided with Hardik being traded in from Gujarat Titans and taking over captaincy from Rohit. The all-rounder lost a good chunk of the fanbase due to the sudden and awkward change of guard and was even booed by the home fans at the Wankhede.

Though Hardik and Rohit looked closer than ever when playing for India after the tournament, how their relationship affects the team in 2025 remains to be seen.

Rajasthan Royals set sights on three Indian batters

Meanwhile, up north, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are looking to retain skipper Sanju Samson and youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The same New India Express report said the franchise is still in chats with senior English opener Jos Buttler about the topic.

But these four taking most of the budget might mean that India spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal won't find space in the team.

Further to the North in the Hindi heartland, Lucknow Super Giants are reportedly considering West Indian keeper-batter Nicholas Pooran, batter Ayush Badoni and pacer Mohsin Khan among retentions. According to The Indian Express, the owners are still uncertain about retaining skipper KL Rahul for the new season.