The retention deadline for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 is on 17th November. Mumbai Indians (MI), who are letting go of captain Hardik Pandya, will have a new captain. After the 3rd ODI between India and New Zealand got washed out, Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner secretly revealed the next MI captain after Rohit Sharma greeted him post-game.

Five-time champions Mumbai have revamped their coaching staff ahead of the new season. They appointed Kieron Pollard as the new head coach, released Mahela Jayawardene, and also released the bowling coach, Lasith Malinga, from their respective roles. Last season, they finished 9th in the points table, and thus the franchise has made a huge shift in the coaching staff.

Mitchell Santner calls Rohit Sharma 'captain' hints at MI's new leadership role

After the 3rd ODI was called off at Seddon Park in Hamilton, during the post-match customary handshake, Rohit Sharma, in a funny way, called Mitchell Santner, to which the New Zealand National Cricket Team captain replied, calling him "skipper", as the two play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL; this hinted that after Hardik’s departure, Rohit will take over the captaincy once again.

Rohit Sharma: “Mitchi” Mitchell Santner: “Hello, skipper” Rohit: “Thanks, man” It’s now almost confirmed that Rohit Sharma will be leading Mumbai Indians. https://t.co/O4Wt02iN7D

— Rohshh45 (@rohshh45) November 10, 2026

Rohit Sharma called, “Mitchi,” and to it Mitchell Santner replied, “Yes, skipper”. Rohit greeted him, saying, “Thanks, man.” Hardik Pandya is set to leave MI as the trade to Punjab Kings (PBKS) is waiting for official confirmation, with Arshdeep Singh joining MI. The captaincy spot will be vacant, and Rohit is the front-runner to be re-appointed as captain after being removed.

Rohit Sharma's record as MI captain

Under Rohit Sharma, the franchise had its best year, as he led the side to win five trophies since taking over the captaincy in 2013. The side under him was an unmatched force in the IPL. Rohit led the side to IPL championships in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. He was then removed from the captaincy after Hardik came back in 2024.

He was the first captain to win five IPL trophies. From 2013 to 2023, MI played 163 matches under Rohit’s captaincy, winning 91 and losing 68, with four ties. His win-loss ratio stood at 1.33, while the team recorded a 57.05% overall win rate. This showcases his leadership record in the toughest T20 league in the world.

Mitchell Santner MI career

Mitchell Santner has been one of the finest bowlers in modern-day cricket. He varies his pace and knows how to bowl in tough conditions. He has been brilliant bowling in India and has also the experience of playing in the IPL for two franchises, firstly CSK and then MI. The Kiwi skipper played five seasons with the Men in Yellow.

In 2025, he joined MI in the mega-auction, and in two seasons he has bowled well, keeping the economy under 8 and picking 15 wickets in 17 games for the Blues. Last season, he could not continue after he picked up a shoulder injury while taking a catch and was ruled out. He is expected to be back and is set to be retained by the franchise.

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