3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya as MI captain

1. Tilak Varma

At 23 years old, Tilak Varma represents a longer-term captaincy project for Mumbai Indians rather than an immediate solution. His rise through the Indian T20I setup has been swift, and he currently holds the vice-captaincy of the national T20I side, a role that signals the selectors' confidence in his leadership potential.

Rohit himself reportedly suggested Tilak's name to the MI management when the captaincy conversation began, which underlines how seriously the former India captain views him as a future leader. For IPL 2027, Tilak may be considered a candidate in waiting, with the expectation that he will eventually take the armband once he has accumulated more experience at the top level.