3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya as MI captain

Mumbai Indians endured back-to-back difficult IPL seasons under Hardik Pandya's leadership. The franchise finished last in the 2024 league stage with four wins from 14 matches, then finished the 2026 season in ninth place, again with four wins from 14 games, becoming the second team eliminated from that edition.

With Pandya's future at the franchise now uncertain, reports have linked him to a possible trade involving Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2027. The question of who leads Mumbai Indians next has become one of the more pressing topics in Indian cricket circles.

3. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma was removed from the MI captaincy ahead of IPL 2024 when Pandya rejoined the franchise from Gujarat Titans. The decision triggered widespread outrage among supporters, and Rohit's departure from the leadership role remained a sore point throughout Pandya's tenure.

Reports from late October 2026 suggest the Mumbai Indians franchise approached Rohit about reclaiming the captaincy for IPL 2027, and he has reportedly agreed to take it on. One report noted that Rohit had initially put forward Tilak Varma's name for the role before the franchise persuaded him to accept it himself. If no trade for Pandya materialises, Pandya is understood to be willing to play under Rohit's leadership. Rohit's record as MI captain speaks for itself: he guided the franchise to IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, a tally of five that he shares with MS Dhoni for the most by any captain in the tournament's history.