Reports: Mumbai Indians unlikely to retain Hardik Pandya ahead of mega auction

Ever since it has been reportedly revealed that the BCCI will allow the existing eight IPL teams to retain up to four players ahead of the mega auction, the fans are excited to know the retentions of their favourite sides. The Indian board is expected to come out with the official announcement regarding the retentions and what happens with the two new IPL teams.

The four retentions could be two Indian and two foreign players or three Indians and one foreign player. If the five-time champions Mumbai Indians are concerned, it has been reported that they are unlikely to retain their star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Acccording to the Times of India, a senior IPL official tracking the developments related to the retention policy, revealed that there could be only three retentions ahead of the mega auction. However, the number could be increased to four if the Right to Match (RTM) is not allowed. He also went on to add that MI, in that case, will mostly retain its core in Kieron Pollard, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.

“I think BCCI will have three-player retention formula with one Right to Match card. If RTM is not there, there could be four retention. Rohit Sharma and India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah are automatic picks. Kieron Pollard will be third retention. MI’s strength is their continuity as these three are pillars of MI,” the IPL official said.

Less than 10% chances that Hardik will be retained, says official

Hardik Pandya has been troubled by his back since last couple of years and didn’t even bowl in the IPL 2021. The official stated that he is no longer a feared all-rounder and has gone down in the pecking order when it comes to retaining the players. If MI gets a chance to retain the fourth player, they might go with Suryakumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan ahead of Hardik.

“At this point in time, there is less than 10 percent chance that Hardik will be retained by MI. Yes, he might just outperform everybody in the next few T20 World Cup games but even then, chances are dim. If there are four retention or 1 RTM, then Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan are the contenders for that slot,” the official added.