Mega Auctions always bring about mixed feelings. It also brings about some tough decisions, with the rules allowing only five capped retentions. Mahela Jayawardene, Mumbai Indians’ Head Coach, was at the center of all this, and in a chat with the host broadcaster, JioCinema, threw light on the process that led to the zeroing of the five names.  

“We had extensive discussions. Our four senior guys (Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah) led those discussions. Obviously with what happened last seasons and how we collectively move forward, it was crucial for us to align in the right direction. Coaching staff, owners, management and these four guys, the direction came from them in terms of what needed to be done, how we needed to go about it,” he said.

What was most impressive, as per him, though, was the leadership the four senior pros showed in ensuring the 75cr cap wasn’t breached, and the respect each of them had for the other. Just MI Things.

“Hardik is appointed captain, and this decision was led by them. Boom (Bumrah) being the best bowler in the world and has been very consistent. We want to recognise that at the top. And then he wanted the other Indians to be recognised and it was his call. So all in all, it was brilliant to see him leading that conversation and agreeing to everything that made it easy for us,” he said.

Right, onto 2025 now. There’s a lot of for to avenge after a disappointing IPL 2024. But we know to win. It’s the team that has five championships. And Mahela was just as confident about the culture trickling into the new Batch of 2025. The five retained men would ensure it did.

“It’s a fantastic setup. These four, five guys have created history. They have so many championships under their belt and as long as they are leading this group in that direction, whoever we can get in the Auction, they’ll set an example for those guys as well.”

Step one, Retentions, check. Step two, Auction, Bring it on!