Mumbai Indians sources deny Rohit Sharma will return as captain ahead of IPL 2027

Sources in Mumbai Indians have dismissed reports that former captain Rohit Sharma will lead the team again. Several changes in the squad are being discussed ahead of the Indian Premier League 2027, and talk has been growing that Rohit could take back the captaincy. It has been said that Hardik Pandya's exit from the franchise is almost certain and that the team is looking for a new captain.

Reports had emerged a few days ago that the team management was considering handing the captaincy for IPL 2027 to Rohit Sharma. The franchise has now clarified its position.

Mumbai Indians sources said clearly that the reports of Rohit Sharma being made captain are false. They said no discussion has yet taken place on the captaincy for the next IPL season.

According to the sources, if Hardik Pandya leaves the team, MI have several good options for the captaincy apart from Rohit Sharma. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma are said to be the front-runners to be the next captain. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is also among the contenders.

Hardik Pandya was made Mumbai Indians captain for IPL 2024. The team did not achieve the success that was expected after that. It is being said that Hardik's relationship with the team has also soured and that he has decided to leave MI.

A Mumbai Indians source also said the team is considering the possibility of trading Hardik Pandya and that other teams are waiting to sign him. However, MI have so far not found a suitable trade for Pandya.

The last IPL season was disappointing for Mumbai Indians, and the team is now thinking of making some changes. All teams are reported to have to release their lists of retained players by mid-November. The IPL 2027 mini auction will follow in the second week of December. The picture on a Hardik Pandya trade will become clearer before that. Mumbai Indians will try to strengthen their squad further through the auction.