Rohit Sharma set to replace Hardik Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain for the upcoming IPL season, Report Says

Mumbai: Rohit Sharma will be back as the captain of the Mumbai Indians in 2027, seemingly signaling the end of Hardik Pandya’s captaincy era at the franchise.

The five-time champions are said to be eager to relive the captaincy glory once again after miserable campaigns in recent seasons. Rohit managed Mumbai Indians 2013-2023, leading the franchise to five IPL titles – in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

Hardik was made skipper before the 2024 season following his return to Mumbai from the Gujarat Titans. MI have failed to dominate as they once did, ending at the bottom of the table in 2024 and 2026 and making the playoffs in 2025.

Rohit himself had also led young batter Tilak Varma as replacement a week ago and was asked to take over the captaincy again by the franchise, a demand he acquiesced to.

Further, it is also known that Mumbai Indians aren’t sure of his future at the franchise as Hardik will reportedly be available in the trade window ahead of IPL 2027. However, if he is traded, it is learned that he is willing to serve Mumbai once more under Rohit.

However, the captaincy switch is being mentioned amid the sweeping overhaul of the Mumbai Indians coaching staff with Kieron Pollard being given charge of the franchise as the head coach, as against Mahela Jayawardene. Robin Uthappa, Mitchell McClenaghan, T Dilip and Dhawal Kulkarni are the newest additions to the fresh support staff.

Mumbai Indians have still not announced officially who will be leading the team in this season.