After months of speculations, IPL franchises announced the retention list for IPL 2025. There were a lot of rumours going around about Rohit Sharma's future with Mumbai Indians (MI), but the franchise decided to retain the veteran cricketer. MI retained Jasprit Bumrah for 18 crore, Suryakumar Yadav for 16.35 crore, Hardik Pandya for 16.35 crore, Rohit Sharma for 16.30 crore, and Tilak Varma for 8 crore.
The franchise also confirmed that Hardik Pandya will captain the team in IPL 2025. Hardik Pandya was handed the leadership reins after the franchise traded him from Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of IPL 2024. This created a massive controversy as the Rohit Sharma fans were not pleased with the development. There were reports of a rift in the team and it affected the team's campaign as they failed to reach the playoffs. However, it seems the differences have been put to rest now.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya reacted after Mumbai Indians confirmed the retention list and said MI played a massive role in whatever he achieved in his career. "It’s been fantastic. I have received a lot of love back. It means the world to me. I have always mentioned my journey started here. Everything that I have achieved in my life has come being part of Mumbai Indians. Every year is a special year and this is going to be an even more special year," Hardik was quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
"Five people who have cherished good memories together. We are five fingers but one fist. That’s how I look at it. Brotherhood, friendship, and we are going to back each other no matter what," Hardik said on MI's retentions.
Hardik also took to X and wrote, "We've won so much together, but our story doesn't end here. So much more to achieve, to win, to conquer, together."
We've won so much together, but our story doesn't end here. So much more to achieve, to win, to conquer, together. As #OneFamily 💙 @mipaltanpic.twitter.com/Z8D3NVnvQs
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) October 31, 2024
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma took a pay cut for IPL 2025, but the former captain feels it was fair on the part of the franchise since he has retired from the format. Rohit said the team hasn't performed well in the last few years but they are determined to make a turnaround in the upcoming season.
"I have played so much cricket in Mumbai, this is the place where I started my cricket career. So this city is very, very special. Obviously, when you play for such a long time, you create so many memories with the team. We haven’t had the best of the season in the last two or three years. But we are quite determined to change that," said Rohit.
"Since I have retired from the format, I think this is the perfect [retention] spot for me. The players who are representing the national team at the highest level should get the preference. That’s what I believe in and I am quite happy with it," he added.