IPL 2027: 3 captaincy candidates for Mumbai Indians if Hardik Pandya steps down

Mumbai Indians (MI) had a forgettable campaign in the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026), finishing ninth on the points table with just eight points to their name. Since 2022, Mumbai's performances have only gone downhill as the franchise has finished in the last two spots every alternate year. 

To add to their woes, reports of internal conflict further plagued Mumbai Indians’ campaign throughout the season. Several reports of Hardik Pandya leaving the franchise have also surfaced in the media outlets, adding to the speculation among fans. As the controversial chapter of Mumbai Indians’ history continues to unfold, here are three captaincy candidates for MI after Hardik Pandya:

1. Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav has played a key role in Mumbai’s success ever since joining the franchise in 2018. Known for his 360-degree strokeplay, Suryakumar has been one of the most consistent performers for MI over the years. Having already filled in as captain in the absence of Hardik Pandya on several occasions, Suryakumar Yadav becomes an automatic choice for the role if Pandya steps down from his position. Having recently led India to T20 World Cup victory in 2026, Suryakumar becomes the frontrunner in the race for MI's captaincy.

2. Jasprit Bumrah

Ever since making his IPL debut in 2013, Bumrah has taken world cricket by storm, guiding Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles with his remarkable bowling performances. He continues to be an integral part of their leadership group and even made his captaincy debut in 2026. The speedster has also led India at the international level and could be a great choice for MI to hand over the captaincy reins.

3. Tilak Varma

The 23-year-old has been a vital cog in Mumbai Indians’ batting lineup over the last few years, having played several match-winning knocks for the franchise. Varma was retained ahead of Ishan Kishan before the IPL 2025 mega auction, having earned the trust of the management with the magic of his willow. With the age on his side, Varma can prove to be a long-term leader for Mumbai, having already proven his worth both at IPL and international levels.