The franchise is reshaping its leadership hierarchy with Tilak Varma lined up as vice-captain, while Hardik Pandya is actively being negotiated for a trade with three rival teams. Newly appointed head coach Kieron Pollard has overhauled the backroom staff, hiring Robin Uthappa, T Dilip, Mitchell McClenaghan, and Dhawal Kulkarni. Many of these coaching appointees share longstanding ties with the 39-year-old leader. The reconstructed group is now focusing on retention deadlines and auction planning ahead of the December 16 mini-auction in Goa.
Key points
Rohit Sharma previously guided the Mumbai Indians franchise to five IPL titles between 20…: Rohit Sharma previously guided the Mumbai Indians franchise to five IPL titles between 2013 and 2020.
Batter Tilak Varma is in contention to serve as the team's deputy captain for the upcomin…: Batter Tilak Varma is in contention to serve as the team's deputy captain for the upcoming season.
The franchise is attempting to reverse its fortunes after finishing in ninth place during…: The franchise is attempting to reverse its fortunes after finishing in ninth place during the 2026 campaign.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
MUMBAI: Will Rohit Sharma return as Mumbai Indians captain, with India’s rising T20 batting star Tilak Varma as his deputy, in IPL 2027? TOI has learnt that there is a strong possibility of the 39-year-old getting one final stint at the helm. Rohit led MI to all five of their IPL titles — in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
A return to the captaincy would mean Rohit cannot feature as an Impact Player, as he has done over the past two seasons. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, who replaced Rohit as captain in 2024, is set to be traded to another franchise.
MI are in talks with three teams, with an official announcement expected soon, TOI has learnt.
MI on Friday announced a major overhaul of their coaching staff under newly appointed head coach Kieron Pollard. Former India batter Robin Uthappa has been named batting coach, while former India fielding coach T Dilip will take charge of the fielding department.
Uthappa represented MI in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, while Dilip spent nearly five years with the Indian team and…
Mumbai Indians are reportedly planning to reinstate their five-time title-winning leader alongside Tilak Varma as deputy, while actively discussing trade options with three franchises for current skipper Hardik Pandya. This transition would shift the veteran out of the Impact Player role he filled during the past two seasons. The move comes as the team seeks to reverse its fortunes following a disappointing ninth-place finish in 2026.
Gresini Racing celebrated a major breakthrough at the Sepang International Circuit after securing the front grid slot over dominant sibling rivals and a competitive field. Meanwhile, Aprilia's premier contender opted to step aside from competition to prevent worsening a lingering injury ahead of the Doha Grand Prix. These shifts provide an unexpected grid shakeup that tests both seasoned contenders and championship hopefuls in Malaysia.
Workplace attendance faces a noticeable disruption as employees plan to prioritize gaming over their regular job responsibilities on launch day. The widespread urge to take time off stems directly from an extensive 13-year gap between major entries in the franchise. Consequently, employers can expect significant absenteeism as fans refuse to delay their initial access to the title.