As the Indian Premier League – IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the Mumbai Indians (MI) management is preparing to make critical decisions on player retentions. Known for their strategic approach to building a championship-winning squad, MI has a history of retaining key players during previous mega auctions. With the IPL 2025 retention list set to be announced soon, let’s take a look at how Mumbai Indians have approached retentions in past mega auctions.
2011 IPL Mega Auction: Building star-studded Line-Up
The 2011 mega auction marked the first significant retention event in IPL history, and Mumbai Indians ensured they held on to their biggest stars. They retained iconic players such as Sachin Tendulkar, who was the face of the franchise, along with Harbhajan Singh, Kieron Pollard, and Lasith Malinga. This retention strategy laid the foundation for Mumbai Indians’ journey to becoming one of the most successful teams in IPL history.
2014 IPL Mega Auction: Balanced Approach by Mumbai Indians
In the 2014 mega auction, Mumbai Indians once again displayed their tactical mindset, opting to retain key players who had consistently delivered results. The team held on to Rohit Sharma, who by then had established himself as a formidable leader, along with Ambati Rayudu, Lasith Malinga, and Pragyan Ojha. Additionally, they used the Right to Match (RTM) card to bring back Harbhajan Singh and Kieron Pollard—two players who were instrumental in maintaining MI’s core.
2018 IPL Mega Auction: Youth and Experience
The 2018 auction saw MI combining youthful energy with seasoned experience in their retentions. The franchise retained captain Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, fast-bowling sensation Jasprit Bumrah, and long-time powerhouse Kieron Pollard. They also used the RTM card to bring back Krunal Pandya, reinforcing their trust in all-rounders who had shown consistency in previous seasons.
2022 IPL Mega Auction: The New Core
As the 2022 mega auction approached, MI faced tough decisions but stayed true to their formula of building around reliable performers. The team retained Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, and the emerging star Suryakumar Yadav. This retention reflected MI’s belief in a mix of experience and rising talent to carry the team forward.
Player retentions – IPL mega auctions
| Year | Player | RTM |
| 2011 | Sachin Tendulkar | |
| Harbhajan Singh | ||
| Kieron Pollard | ||
| Lasith Malinga | ||
| 2014 | Rohit Sharma | |
| Ambati Rayudu | ||
| Lasith Malinga | ||
| Pragyan Ojha | Yes | |
| Harbhajan Singh | ||
| Kieron Pollard | ||
| 2018 | Rohit Sharma | |
| Hardik Pandya | ||
| Jasprit Bumrah | ||
| Kieron Pollard | Yes | |
| Krunal Pandya | Yes | |
| 2022 | Rohit Sharma | |
| Jasprit Bumrah | ||
| Kieron Pollard | ||
| Suryakumar Yadav |
What’s next for IPL 2025?
With the IPL 2025 mega auction just around the corner, it will be intriguing to see which players Mumbai Indians choose to retain this time. Will they continue to build around their established veterans, or will they focus on fresh talent for the future? The anticipation surrounding MI’s retention list is high, as their decisions will play a crucial role in shaping their squad for the upcoming seasons. Stay tuned as the IPL retention deadline approaches!
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