3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya as MI captain
With Hardik Pandya's future at Mumbai Indians uncertain ahead of IPL 2027, the franchise must weigh its leadership options carefully.
2. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav has already shown he can handle MI's captaincy under pressure. He stepped in to lead the side in the opening match of IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings on March 23, 2025, when Pandya served a one-match ban carried over from an over-rate offence in IPL 2024.
Beyond that brief stint, Suryakumar's leadership credentials are well established at the international level. He captained India to the T20 World Cup title, yet subsequently lost both the T20I captaincy and his place in the squad. His batting output dipped over the 12-18 months leading into the 2026 season, but his standing as a composed leader in the shortest format remains recognised. Mumbai Indians could offer him the captaincy for IPL 2027 as a way to reinvigorate his career at the franchise.
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