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'Retain 5+1': Aakash Chopra Predicts MI Spending 79 Cr Ahead Of IPL 2025 Auction

Mahela Jayawardene rejoins MI as head coach before IPL 2025 mega auction (@MIFansArmy/X.com)Mahela Jayawardene rejoins MI as head coach before IPL 2025 mega auction (@MIFansArmy/X.com)

Commentator turned analyst Aakash Chopra predicted the potential strategy of the Mumbai Indians (MI) following the return of Mahela Jayawardene as head coach, hinting at their intention to retain a strong core of Indian players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. According to Chopra, MI may retain five Indian players, plus one overseas, to ensure a solid foundation while still leaving room for auction flexibility.

Mumbai Indians (MI), after finishing at the bottom of the table in IPL 2024, called for radical changes in the leadership set up as they sacked Mark Boucher to reinstate Mahela Jayawardene as head coach just in time for the mega auction.

Aakash Chopra makes big claim on MI's auction plans

Before MI reach the auction table, they have to confirm retentions by the end of October 31 deadline. Now, with Mahela Jayawardene at their helm, Aakash Chopra expects a shift in retention strategy. In his YouTube video, Chopra anticipates MI to spend 79 crores in retentions with a 5+1 strategy. 

"Mahela Jayawardene is back. So some changes have started happening. The Mumbai Indians are trying to retain their core as well, considering the form Hardik Pandya is in, and they have Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma/Ishan Kishan."

Chopra specifically mentioned key players like Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma/Ishan Kishan as likely retentions. He also pointed out that Nehal Wadhera could be another option, highlighting MI's depth of talent.

"After that, they have Nehal Wadhera. I mean they have plenty. So they might retain 5+1 and reach the auction after spending 79 crores. They are the ones who are able to manage because the six players they will retain are going to be part of the XI, and all will be Indians. So they can still pull it off."

He additionally explained that this strategy of retaining mostly Indian players gives MI an advantage, as they can field a strong starting XI from their retained players alone. 

Paras Mhambrey Likely To Enter MI's Coaching Set Up

MI's radical changes in leadership and coaching setup are unlikely to stop at Mahela Jayawardene's return. As per a report from TOI, Paras Mhambrey, who served as India's bowling coach from 2021 to 2024 under head coach Rahul Dravid, has reportedly joined the Mumbai Indians. 

His tenure with the Indian national team was marked by significant success, particularly in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and the T20 World Cup 2024, where India's bowling performances were widely praised.