Rohit Sharma back as MI captain for IPL 2027? Big changes likely brewing at Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians could be preparing for a familiar face to take charge again as IPL 2027 gains steam.

Rohit Sharma may return as captain for IPL 2027, with Tilak Varma in line to be his deputy, while Hardik Pandya is reportedly heading towards the exit after a forgettable outing in 2026.

According to a report by The Times of India (TOI), there is a strong possibility that Rohit, 39, will get one final stint as Mumbai Indians captain. The former India skipper led the franchise to all five of its IPL titles, winning the trophy in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.


A return to the captaincy would also mark a change in Rohit's role. He has featured as an Impact Player over the past two IPL seasons, but cannot continue in that role if he takes over the leadership duties.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, who replaced Rohit as MI captain in 2024, is set to move to another franchise. TOI reported that Mumbai Indians are in talks with three teams over a possible trade, with an official announcement expected soon.

Rohit reunion? MI reshuffle adds to speculation

The captaincy speculation has gained momentum following Mumbai Indians' overhaul of their coaching staff under newly appointed head coach Kieron Pollard.

The franchise on Friday named former India batter Robin Uthappa as its batting coach and former India fielding coach T Dilip as its fielding coach.

Uthappa represented Mumbai Indians during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Dilip, who spent nearly five years with the Indian team, is also believed to share a close rapport with Rohit.

MI have also brought back two former pacers. New Zealand's Mitchell McClenaghan has been appointed bowling coach, while Dhawal Kulkarni will take charge as development bowling coach.

Kulkarni, a former India and Mumbai teammate of Rohit, will have a year-round role focused on player development and strengthening the franchise's talent pool.

The appointments have added to speculation about a possible Rohit return, with several members of the revamped support staff having previous associations with the former captain.

MI face rebuilding task ahead of IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians have a major rebuilding exercise ahead after failing to win the IPL title since 2020. The franchise finished ninth in the 2026 season.

Pollard and his coaching team will first have to finalise the retention list before turning their attention to the mini-auction for IPL 2027, scheduled to take place on December 16 in Goa.

The team will also need to work out its auction strategy as it looks to address the gaps from its disappointing 2026 campaign.