MI hits & misses ahead of IPL 2025 auction: Tilak Varma in golden form, Rohit Sharma a ‘burden’

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) is a side with the strongest retention picks ahead of IPL 2025 auction. They have made five retentions – Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Tilak Varma. MI have retained their core comprising of four seasoned veterans who have been associated with the franchise for years now. And Tilak Verma has turned out to be an absolute gem for the side, given his form recently.

MI will enter IPL 2025 auction with Rs 45 crore left in their purse. Hardik Pandya and co. will be tasked to build a fresh squad around the core that has been retained. MI comprised of multiple stars ahead of the releases, including the likes of Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Ishan Kishan, Gerard Coetzee and more.

However, the side has a separate set of problems to deal with when it comes to the players they have retained. One is out of form, the other has become the Indian captain but has failed to fire as a batter in the recent past. Another is an all-rounder who has been exceptional in white-ball despite being stripped off captaincy. And meanwhile, the best of the best is India’s premium pacer. Last but not the least is young Tilak Varma.

Tilak Varma’s golden form – a boon for MI

Tilak Varma has been a regular in MI’s XI and has been improving consistently over the years. In 38 matches, he has already amassed 1156 runs, playing a crucial role in the middle-order. Not just in the IPL, Tilak Varma has also made an impact in the international circuit by showing his ability to get runs while being asked to bat anywhere in the middle-order.

His best season for the Mumbai Indians came in IPL 2024 when he finished with 416 runs, probably the only highlight in MI’s failed campaign. Varma is now also a part of India’s T20I setup and is almost certain to make sure he stays in there for a long time. And he is MI’s best bet for the future, even if they are aiming to groom him as a captain.

What do MI want from Rohit Sharma?

Rohit Sharma is arguably one of the best batters that MI have. But his form in T20Is over the past few years doesn’t warrant a place in the batting order honestly. After cementing his place as skipper and leading the side to five trophies, the Hitman became “just an senior opener” in the side in IPL 2024. His performance in IPL 2024 was rock-solid, as he finished with 417 runs to his name. He has managed to be consistent in IPL and his seniority & experience will be something that MI will count on. But apart from this, the side should be worried about the recent slump in his form. Besides, the team is now looking for a new opener alongside Rohit Sharma, adding to their woes. MI will hope Rohit contributes the most as he nears the end of his career.

Wicketkeeper needed as Ishan Kishan leaves

Mumbai Indians will need to look for a new wicketkeeper. Hardik Pandya and co. decided to part ways with Ishan Kishan ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The star was associated with MI for several years and was their first-choice keeper over the last few seasons. Now, they will have to find a replacement. Apart from his glove work, Kishan also played a crucial role in MI’s batting line-up. It is unlikely that MI would use the Right to Match (RTM) card for Ishan Kishan, given that they have just one left. It remains to be seen who MI have on their mind for the keeper next.

Where are the spinners?

MI will need to recruit a whole new spin department in the IPL 2025 auction. The side has released all bowlers except Jasprit Bumrah. This means the side is without any spinners. No Shams Mulani or Piyush Chawla. And this could turn out to be a headache for MI at the auction. Given their constraint with just Rs 45 cr salary purse, the team has a tall task at hand in Jeddah later this month.