Hardik Pandya reappointed as Mumbai Indians captain for IPL 2025; coach Mahela Jayawardene addresses past challenges

Hardik was thrilled to be back leading the team for a second consecutive year, feeling confident that he has successfully turned the public's negativity towards him into admiration. His pivotal role in India's successful T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, including his remarkable performance defending 16 runs in the final over, has earned him newfound support from fans. Gone are the days of being booed; now, he is celebrated for his on-field contributions. Hardik is eager to continue this positive momentum into the upcoming season.

"I have received a lot of love back, means the world to me. My journey started here and you know everything that I have achieved in my life has been part of Mumbai Indians," he said shortly after MI released their list of retained players.

Hardik isn't the only one hoping to make a triumphant return. Jayawardene, who had previously served as their coach from 2017 to 2022, is back for his second stint, taking over from Mark Boucher. Under the former Sri Lanka captain, MI had won three IPL titles – in 2017, 2019, 2020 – and the franchise is hopeful that together, Hardik and Mahela can bring MI back to its glory days.

With four out of the five players retained on expected lines, MI have stuck with its core. Rohit, Surya, Bumrah, and Hardik have been the team's pillars for many years. The only surprise in their list, if one is to hawkishly gauge, is the retention of Tilak over Ishan Kishan, but well, a franchise's got to do what a franchise's got to go. Jayawardene mentioned that most decisions – from retaining players to captaincy to appointing roles – were made after a thorough run-through with Hardik, Rohit, Surya, Bumrah and the management.

"We had an extensive discussion. These 4 senior guys led those discussions. Obviously, whatever happened last season, we connected about moving forward. It was crucial for us to align in that one direction. So coaching staff, owners, management and these 4 guys played a major role. Hardik's been appointed captain, and we had that conversation with them [senior players], and there's the role every retention of ours will play," Jayawardene pointed out.

Props to MI for not getting disturbed by the series of events that unfolded some months ago. Hardik became the national villain for no fault of his own as the entire fanbase rallied behind Rohit. Reports emerged that after the team's disastrous outing, Rohit, Bumrah and Surya discussed Hardik's time as captain as length, but at the end of the day, all's well that ends well, at least that's the motto team owner Aakash Ambani has to share.

"We have always believed that the strength of a family lies in its core and this belief has been reinforced during the course of recent events. We are thrilled that the strong legacy of MI will be carried forward by Jasprit, Surya, Hardik, Rohit and Tilak - players who have become synonymous with our team and the brand of cricket we stand for," he said.