IPL 2025: How MI retained their core group for INR 75 crore

Joint-most successful team, Mumbai Indians (MI) has successfully retained their core group of superstars, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and young talent Tilak Varma for the 2025 IPL season, working within the INR 75 crore retention budget.

MI was coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign, where the five-time champions finished at the bottom of the points table. The franchise's approach to keeping their star players shows a careful balance of financial planning and player management, with the players themselves playing a crucial role in determining the retention hierarchy.

As per ESPNcricinfo, in early October, MI's senior management, including returning head coach Mahela Jayawardene and owner Akash Ambani, conducted two crucial meetings with the players. These sessions weren't merely about discussing contracts; they were discussions about the team's future direction and individual roles. The management created an environment where players could openly express their concerns and aspirations.

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MI players' collectively decided the retention hierarchy

A main aspect of these discussions was the clarity regarding leadership roles. While Suryakumar, India's current T20I captain, expressed his captaincy desires, the franchise maintained its focus on Hardik's leadership. Despite a challenging 2024 season, the management believed in giving the all-rounder a fair chance to prove his captaincy skills.

Bumrah, who secured the highest retention amount of INR 18 crore, had the full support of his teammates. Hardik and Suryakumar followed at INR 16.35 crore each, while former captain Rohit, who retired from T20Is, graciously accepted the fourth position at INR 16.30 crore. Meanwhile, Tilak finished the retentions at INR 8 crore.

The noteworthy retention strategy is the players' collective decision-making approach. Rather than the management dictating terms, the players themselves played an active role in determining the retention hierarchy.