Rohit Sharma poised to be reinstated as Mumbai Indians captain for IPL 2027
Rohit Sharma is likely to return as Mumbai Indians captain for the 2027 Indian Premier League, India Today has learnt, with the franchise’s top management reportedly leaning toward reinstating him. The possible move shifts focus onto Hardik Pandya’s future at the franchise.
Rohit previously captained Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and was replaced by Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2024 season after Hardik returned to the franchise from Gujarat Titans. The change in leadership was a major talking point within the franchise.
Under Hardik’s initial captaincy Mumbai finished last in his first season, but they returned to the playoffs in 2025; the five-time champions have not won the IPL since 2020 and have not regained a place in the final. Those results have been cited in discussions over the captaincy.
Hardik’s future is under scrutiny amid reports linking him with moves to other franchises, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals among those mentioned. Mumbai and Rajasthan were reportedly in discussions over a potential deal involving Hardik, though the talks appeared to reach a standstill at one stage; any trade would require agreement on terms, including the player Mumbai might receive in return, and there has been no official confirmation of a deal.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named in reports as a plausible target should a trade with Rajasthan Royals materialise, with the left-handed opener described as someone who could strengthen Mumbai’s Indian batting options and provide a long-term top-order solution. The coverage notes that bringing in a younger Indian opener could help Mumbai prepare for a future in which Rohit’s playing career may be winding down.
Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma had earlier emerged as potential captaincy candidates: Suryakumar captained Mumbai in Delhi and was in line to lead in Raipur when Hardik was unavailable, and he also led India to the T20 World Cup earlier this year before exiting the national leadership setup. Tilak’s recent appointment as India’s T20I vice-captain, with Shreyas Iyer leading the side, had fuelled discussion about his longer-term leadership prospects for both country and franchise.
Reports have said Mumbai could now prefer Rohit’s experience for IPL 2027, with some coverage mentioning concerns last season about dressing-room atmosphere, unity and body language under the new leadership. The franchise has not announced any formal decision.
Mumbai have around six months to finalise their plans and the situation could change before the new season begins; if Rohit is reinstated as captain, Mumbai will still have to resolve Hardik Pandya’s status and any linked squad moves before IPL 2027.
