Rohit Sharma reported to take over Mumbai Indians captaincy for IPL 2027

Rohit Sharma is reported to have agreed to retake the Mumbai Indians captaincy for the 2027 Indian Premier League, replacing Hardik Pandya, according to media reports.

Sharma previously captained Mumbai from 2013 to 2023 and led the franchise to five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Hardik Pandya assumed the role after being traded from Gujarat Titans in 2024. As captain, Rohit holds the joint-most IPL titles alongside 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.”

Mumbai’s results since 2020 have not produced another 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, and his appointment attracted strong criticism from portions of the fanbase, with some supporters booing him at Wankhede Stadium.

The franchise has reportedly decided to move on from Hardik Pandya and he might be traded to another team; reports say he has been talking with a few franchises and could join a new side for IPL 2027. Mumbai have also reshaped their coaching staff during this period.

Keiron Pollard has replaced Mahela Jayawardene as head coach, while Robin Uthappa, Mitchell McClenaghan and Dhawal Kulkarni have joined in other coaching roles, and T. Dilip will be the new fielding coach for the franchise.

If the reports are confirmed, Rohit Sharma would return as captain of the five-time champions for IPL 2027, leading a side that has already made multiple off-field changes ahead of the tournament.