Rohit Sharma to replace Hardik Pandya as MI captain for IPL 2027 - Reports
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Rohit Sharma has led Mumbai Indians (MI) to five IPL titles.
Rohit Sharma is likely to regain the Mumbai Indians captaincy in the Indian Premier League. He led the franchise from 2013 to 2023, and guided them to five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020).
However, Hardik Pandya replaced him as captain when MI traded the all-rounder from Gujarat Titans in 2024. As reported by the Indian Express, the franchise tried to convince Rohit to take captaincy from Pandya midway through the last IPL when the team was struggling, but the deal didn’t materialise.
According to a report, the management has now convinced Sharma to take the helm for IPL 2027. MI have already decided to move on from Hardik. He might even be traded to another franchise. As captain, Rohit holds the record for the joint-most titles, along with MS Dhoni.
A source told The Indian Express, “Rohit Sharma initially had suggested Tilak Varma’s name, but the franchise has requested him to take over captaincy, which he has now agreed to. There were a series of talks that had happened before him flying to New Zealand and Rohit suggestions were sought during appointment of new coaches as well.”
MI hope to end the trophy drought under Rohit Sharma
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Since 2020, MI have failed to win a title. Over the last six seasons, they qualified for the playoffs twice—in 2023 and 2025. Under Hardik’s captaincy, MI finished tenth and ninth in 2024 and 2026.
His appointment as MI captain drew immense criticism from the fans. In some home matches, fans also booed him at Wankhede Stadium. Meanwhile, Hardik has been reportedly talking with a few franchises.
If the rumours are true, he might join a new franchise in IPL 2027. Mumbai have already made notable changes to their coaching staff. Keiron Pollard has replaced Mahela Jayawardene as head coach.
Meanwhile, Robin Uthappa, Mitchell McClenaghan and Dhawal Kulkarni have joined the franchise in other coaching roles. T. Dilip will be the new fielding coach for the franchise. Amid the transition, we might see Rohit as captain for the five-time champions in IPL 2027.
How many IPL titles have the Mumbai Indians won?
Rohit Sharma has led the franchise to five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020).
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