Rohit Sharma to replace Hardik Pandya as MI captain, franchise wanted change in IPL 2026 itself

Mumbai Indians are reportedly preparing to reinstate Rohit Sharma as team captain for the Indian Premier League 2027 tournament, taking over leadership duties from Hardik Pandya. Team management previously contemplated making this shift midway through the 2026 campaign after a difficult run where the franchise finished ninth with ten losses across fourteen fixtures and extended a championship drought reaching back to 2020.

Alternative leadership candidates had included Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Tilak Varma, but discussions ultimately led to securing Sharma's agreement to resume the role. Pandya, who returned to the squad ahead of 2025 following a stint with Gujarat Titans, faced heavy criticism and home crowd jeering during his three-year tenure, which produced only a single playoff qualification.

Reports indicate Pandya is expected to remain with the team under the leadership change if potential trade talks do not materialize. Concurrently, the organization revamped its coaching staff by installing Kieron Pollard as head coach alongside returning figures Robin Uthappa, Mitchell McClenaghan, and Dhawal Kulkarni.

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