Sports/Alive News: Rohit Sharma could return as captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya potentially playing under his leadership if a proposed trade deal does not materialise, according to reports.
The five-time IPL champions are reportedly considering a leadership change following a disappointing 2026 campaign under Pandya. According to a report by The Indian Express, the franchise has approached Rohit to take charge of the team again. He last captained Mumbai in 2023 and led the side to five IPL titles during his tenure.
Rohit had reportedly recommended young batter Tilak Varma for the captaincy. However, the franchise preferred to bring back its former captain, and Rohit is said to have agreed to the proposal. Discussions regarding the leadership role reportedly took place before his departure for New Zealand.
Other potential candidates included Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, but the franchise appears to have favoured Rohit’s experience ahead of the new season.
Pandya’s future has also come under scrutiny amid reports of a possible trade to another franchise. If the deal falls through, he could continue with Mumbai as a player under Rohit’s captaincy. Pandya took over as captain in 2024 after returning to Mumbai from Gujarat Titans, replacing Rohit in a move that sparked considerable criticism among supporters.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have revamped their coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027. Kieron Pollard has been appointed head coach, replacing Mahela Jayawardene. Robin Uthappa will serve as batting coach, while Mitchell McClenaghan has been named bowling coach, replacing Lasith Malinga.
Former India fielding coach T Dilip will oversee fielding, while Dhawal Kulkarni has been appointed development bowling coach.
The reported leadership changes signal a potential reset for Mumbai Indians after their disappointing campaign in 2026.
