With those five limited players retained, MI can use its only right to match option on only one non-limited player in the auction. While individual amounts for each of the retained players are yet to be determined, MI will lose at least Rs 75 million from their Rs 120 million purse, or more if they have paid an aggregate amount greater than all five.
MI had a disappointing IPL 2024, finishing at the bottom of the league under the leadership of Hardik, who was traded from Gujarat Titans and replaced Rohit as captain. Hardik was regularly booed at various venues last season as fans expressed displeasure at the leadership change, but he bounced back from his personal poor form with significant contributions during India’s successful 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. However, Suryakumar was preferred as India’s T20I captain after that tournament once Rohit retired from the format, even though Hardik had captained India in T20Is for much of 2023.
ESPNcricinfo has learned that the MI management recently discussed the plan ahead with their senior players before agreeing to the retentions.
