Mumbai Indians (MI) could be heading towards another major leadership decision ahead of IPL 2027, with former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin backing Rohit Sharma as a potential candidate to lead the five-time champions. With questions surrounding Hardik Pandya’s future and Kieron Pollard taking charge as head coach, Ashwin believes Rohit’s experience could help the franchise address its recent struggles.
Mumbai Indians have not won an IPL title since 2020, and their inconsistent performances in recent seasons have raised questions about the team’s direction. With another mega auction scheduled for 2028, IPL 2027 could be an important season for the franchise to stabilise its leadership and rebuild its winning momentum.
Ravichandran Ashwin Explains Why Rohit Sharma Could Return as MI Captain
Rohit Sharma remains one of the most successful captains in IPL history, having guided Mumbai Indians to five titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. His experience, tactical understanding and familiarity with the franchise could make him a strong option if Mumbai decide to change their captaincy again.
Speaking on his show Ash ki baat, Ashwin discussed the possibility of Rohit working alongside Pollard and explained why he considered the former Mumbai captain the frontrunner for the role.
”I think Rohit and Pollard can be a good combination. This might happen, I don’t know. I am sure Hardik will not be there. His chances of staying there are very low. Suryakumar is out of the Indian team. I don’t see him captaining MI. it has become a big problem. This team needs to fix a lot of things now. Anyway, there is only one year left for the mega auction. Who has the experience to fix a lot of things now? Anyways, there is only one year left for me. He has a good bond with Polly also,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin’s comments underline the importance of experience at a time when Mumbai Indians need greater consistency. Rohit’s previous success with the franchise and his understanding of its team culture could make him a practical option for the upcoming season. However, Rohit’s potential to the captaincy remains speculative, and the franchise has not officially confirmed any change in leadership.
Kieron Pollard’s Appointment Could Strengthen Rohit Sharma’s Case
Kieron Pollard’s long association with Mumbai Indians makes him an important figure in the franchise’s setup. After contributing to the team’s success as a player, his role as head coach could bring valuable continuity to the dressing room. Ashwin believes Rohit and Pollard could complement each other well because of their shared experience and established relationship. Rohit’s leadership record, combined with Pollard’s knowledge of the franchise, could help Mumbai develop a clearer tactical approach.
The potential partnership could also provide stability during a period of transition. However, the franchise would need to consider its long-term plans, squad balance and availability before making a final decision. Hardik Pandya’s future has also become a talking point amid the captaincy speculation. Although Ashwin expressed doubts about Hardik continuing at Mumbai, his comments do not constitute official confirmation of the all-rounder’s departure.
Mumbai Indian’s Recent Struggles Make IPL 2027 a Crucial Season
For a franchise that has won five IPL titles, Mumbai Indians’ recent results have been disappointing. The team finished at the bottom of the table in 2024 before reaching the playoffs in 2025, highlighting the challenge of maintaining consistency in a highly competitive tournament. The captaincy transition from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya ahead of the season brought considerable attention, and Mumbai now faces another important period in their planning. A possible return to Rohit Sharma could offer familiar leadership, but captaincy alone would not resolve every challenge.
The franchise will also need consistent contributions from its batting unit, a reliable bowling attack, and effective team selection. With the mega auction expected in 2028, IPL 2027 could provide an opportunity to strengthen the squad and establish a more settled combination before the next major rebuilding phase. Ashwin’s recommendation has added to the discussion surrounding Mumbai Indians’ leadership plans, placing Rohit’s experience and previous success at the centre of the debate.
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