IPL 2025 was nothing short of a wild ride for the Mumbai Indians (MI). They looked like a shadow of themselves early on. They lost four of their first five matches, and the critics were ready to write them off. But then, like they always do, MI roared back with six straight wins. The five-time champions snatched a playoff berth from the jaws of chaos.
In the playoffs, they fought hard. They knocked out Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator, only to stumble against a fired-up Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2. Yes, it hurt. But there were plenty of silver linings for them. Fans thoroughly relished Suryakumar Yadav’s magical form and Bumrah’s lethal spells.
Now, as the IPL 2026 mini auction looms, MI faces a familiar headache- who to retain. They can’t keep everyone. But some names are simply too important to let go. Here are five Indian players who deserve to stay in blue and gold – the heart and soul of the Mumbai Indians.
1. Rohit Sharma
In IPL 2025: 418 runs in 15 matches, 4 fifties
He has been the face of the Mumbai Indians for over a decade. Sure, Rohit Sharma may be in the twilight of his IPL career, but class like his doesn’t fade. In 2025, he showed glimpses of his old self. Fans enjoyed those effortless pulls, those lazy flicks. When MI’s top order crumbled, Rohit often stood tall.
Beyond the numbers, it’s his presence that matters. Even if he transitions into a mentor-leader role, MI would be foolish to let go of their hitman. As they say, form is temporary, but class and Rohit Sharma is permanent.
2. Hardik Pandya (c)
In IPL 2025: 224 runs, 14 wickets (Best: 5/36)
When Hardik Pandya returned to MI, it felt like homecoming. Yes, it wasn’t smooth sailing early on. There was captaincy pressure, the spotlight, the criticism, but the man turned it around. His leadership had energy. His passion was contagious. And his performances spoke louder than any words.
That five-wicket haul? It was a statement that Hardik is back. He bowled with fire, led with heart, and managed the team well. Sure, his batting numbers weren’t sky-high, but his tactical nous and bowling impact made up for it. There is no way Mumbai lets him go.
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3. Suryakumar Yadav
In IPL 2025: 717 runs in 16 matches, 5 fifties
If there was one man who carried Mumbai on his shoulders, it was Suryakumar Yadav. 717 runs, endless innovation, and the kind of confidence that makes bowlers nervous before he even takes guard. He was pure entertainment material, courtesy of his lovely scoops, flicks, reverse sweeps.
Suryakumar wasn’t just batting; he was performing. He turned games around with audacity and flair, earning himself the MVP of the season. His hunger to win and his love for MI make him more than just a player; he is the heartbeat of this franchise.
If MI ever builds a statue outside Wankhede, SKY deserves one hand raised to the heavens.
4. Tilak Varma
In IPL 2025: 343 runs, 2 fifties
He’s calm, composed, and already looks like a future India regular. Tilak Varma might be young, but his maturity is beyond his years. Every time MI needed stability, Tilak delivered effectively.
He doesn’t slog. He builds. And that’s what sets him apart. MI knows what they have here- a long-term investment, a player who will only get better. He is not just a retention candidate. He is actually MI’s future.
5. Jasprit Bumrah
In IPL 2025: 18 wickets in 12 matches (Best: 4/22)
If cricket had superheroes, Bumrah would be MI’s Iron Man. Calm, composed, and utterly ruthless with the ball. After missing the start of the season, he came back like a storm – yorkers, slower ones, and those unplayable death overs that define him.
Every time MI needed a wicket, Bumrah answered. The Ahmedabad Express is known for his ability to turn matches in a single over, a trait that remains unmatched. More importantly, his presence lifts the entire bowling unit. A Mumbai Indians squad without Bumrah feels incomplete because he is the soul of MI’s attack.
