The stage is set, the buzz is real and the Paltan is so ready for another blockbuster season! 

As we gear up for IPL 2026, our Head Coach, Mahela Jayawardene, has dropped his thoughts on the retained stars for the upcoming campaign.

Speaking at the TATA IPL 2026 Retention show on JioHotstar, Jayawardene applauded the retained core while revealing his thoughts on the 2025 edition, where the Hardik Pandya-led side reached Qualifier 2.

“When we went into the auction last year, we had a vision of how we want to go in this cycle. The retention is quite consistent with the way Mumbai usually looks at things. We’ve a very strong squad and we just wanted to add a few players to strengthen that. 

We have a very strong squad that has covered all areas. We had a very good season last year. As a coach, I’m very happy with the effort that each of them put in. There are areas that we want to improve, which we will look at. They rallied around Hardik really well last season. Hardik enjoyed that atmosphere and led the team pretty well,” he said.

Furthermore, with MI locking in a squad packed with a balance of experience and young talent, Mahela breaks down exactly why this group is built for the big moments.

“Consistency is key & we built our team around a core group of players and they still remain. They are very hungry for success. Rohit, Surya, Jasprit, Hardik, Tilak, if we put that in that pool. Obviously, bringing back Trent in last season’s auction. 

“We have players with good international experience and an international captain like Mitch Santner as well as Jacksy, all these players have contributed really well. We have still developed those young talents.

“Hopefully, they get an opportunity to showcase their skills as well. I have always said that I take one game at a time and only focus on the present. Our focus has always been to stay in the present and create that value chain,” he said.

Talking about the trio of players that came in ahead of IPL 2026, MJ praised their experience and the ability to handle pressure, something that resonates with the Mumbai Indians faithful.

“They bring a wealth of experience; you need a group of guys who can handle that pressure. Sherfane [Rutherford] brings loads of experience, he has been around for a while and been with us many years ago [in 2020]. 

“Shardul [Thakur] is another player like that… so much experience. He brings that experience factor and a local Mumbai boy as well as his experience playing in Wankhede will matter. 

“Mayank [Markande] has been a warrior. When he was with us, he was brilliant as part of a championship-winning team. We’ve been looking at him for a while. We’ll know exactly the players we want to get as we enter the auction,” he said.

Concluding, Mahela stressed on the importance of making objective decisions in the best interests of the franchise as far as retentions are concerned.

“When you are a franchise, sometimes you have to get yourself emotionally detached from the decision-making process and look at what is exactly required. It’s tough to let go of players who have been with you for a season and worked hard, especially the young guys as they work really, really hard. 

“I enjoyed working with each one of them. I phoned them personally and explained to them about the reasons because they have the right to know why they have been let go and what they need to do to improve themselves. These are the tough conversations but it’s what franchise cricket is all about. 

“Once in Mumbai, you will always be in Mumbai. They will be in touch with us and we hope they grow going forward. Each and everyone will be missed and wishing them all the very best. I am sure they will get their opportunities going forward,” he finished.

ALSO READ 👉 MI’s retained players for IPL 2026

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Retentions - Done and dusted! ✅ 

IPL 2026 Auction - होऊन जाऊ दे! 🔥