Who will Hardik Pandya choose? Here’s how Mumbai Indians can use RTM card at IPL 2025 mega auction

Mumbai Indians (MI), the five-time IPL champions, find themselves at a crucial juncture ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. With a remaining purse of INR 45 crore and one Right to Match (RTM) card, the franchise’s strategy will be pivotal in rebuilding their squad after a massive overhaul. Having said that, the team with the strongest retentions is none other than MI, who have kept their global superstars.

While Hardik Pandya will continue as a leader after a turbulent season, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma are still with the franchise. Their top retention and deservingly so was Jasprit Bumrah. However, they will enter the IPL 2025 mega auction with just one RTM card. Moreover, they can use this just for an uncapped players, due to the fact that all five of MI’s retentions were capped players.

Mumbai Indians (MI) IPL 2025 Retentions

• Hardik Pandya (All-rounder): INR 16.35 crore
• Rohit Sharma (Batter): INR 16 crore
• Jasprit Bumrah (Bowler): INR 18 crore
• Suryakumar Yadav (Batter): INR 16.35 crore
• Tilak Varma (Batter): INR 8 crore
• Retention 6 (RTM card) (only uncapped)
• Purse left: Rs 45 crore

Will the Mumbai Indians (MI) exercise one Right To Match (RTM) cards and try to lure their young guns back? Well, we know as much as you do but still Insidesport has tried to analyse who could be MI’s RTM card options. MI can use their RTM card on just one uncapped player.

What is RTM card in IPL 2025?

The Right to Match (RTM) card gives teams a chance to reacquire their players by matching the highest bid placed on them during the auction. For instance, if the Mumbai Indians aim to bring Nehal Wadhera back, they can use their RTM card, enabling them to equal the top bid and secure his services.

However, there’s a catch here. According to the updated RTM rule, any franchise bidding on a player can continue raising their offer even after an RTM card is used. If the original team with the RTM card is willing to match the increased bid, the player will return to his former franchise.

RTM card for MI: Nehal Wadhera or Naman Dhir?

Mumbai Indians (MI) are known for scouting and unearthing incredible talents. In fact, they have a vast history of recognising players who turn into superstars in future. Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Nicholas Pooran, Josh Hazlewood, and the list goes on. Similarly, the franchise has also tracked the development of Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir.

While Wadhera played two seasons for MI, Naman was during the IPL 2024 season only. Both are super talented, with great T20 game and can even roll their arms over if needed.

Although Wadhera had a mediocre Emerging Asia Cup recently, he has showed his massive potential in the handful opportunities he has got with MI. He plays a bit similarly like Tilak Varma but has a better power hitting game. In 16 innings, he has made 350 runs for MI at a strike rate of 140.00. Remember his 51-ball 64 in a high-octane clash against CSK? In that match, MI were floundering at 69/4 in 11 overs but Wadhera stuck through and single-handedly took MI to a respectable total.

As for Naman Dhir, he was given chances early on in IPL 2024 when Suryakumar Yadav was injured. He boosted confidence as well, striking at a great pace. Technically sound, Naman is also a great uncapped talent waiting to have his breakout season.

With ₹45 crore remaining, MI needs to be judicious with their RTM usage, ensuring they have enough funds to build a balanced squad. The release of experienced players like Ishan Kishan and Tim David creates specific needs that might influence their RTM decision. This might mean MI would look to buy back Nehal Wadhera via RTM card.

More on IPL 2025

RTM card for MI: Akash Madhwal a surprising possibility?

While Wadhera could be a great choice for MI, don’t rule out the possibility of a surprise pick in Akash Madhwal. Well, the lad deserves to be in the reckoning, having done well. MI have time and again left Bumrah alone doing the tough job but Madhwal has stepped up several times.

You must remember his incredible spell of 5/5 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2023 Eliminator, bamboozling everyone who came up against him. Overall, Madhwal has taken 19 wickets at a strike rate of 13.7. While his economy rate of 9.3 may have been a concern, but who wasn’t hit for runs in the last IPL season? His ability to deliver under pressure and natural bowling rhythm makes him a strong contender for the RTM card too!

Players on whom Mumbai Indians should use RTM on

• RTM Card: Nehal Wadhera/ Akash Madhwal/ Naman Dhir