Ajay Jadeja said that the Mumbai Indians (MI) should release Hardik Pandya ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction and bring him back through the RTM (Right To Match) card. He mentioned that Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah are better retention options for the five-time champions.

MI brought back Hardik from the Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of 17th season of the tournament and appointed him their skipper, replacing Rohit. However, the move backfired as Mumbai finished last in the points table.

“It is easy for me to say anything. I would go with Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah as they are quality players and you won’t be able to get such cricketers again. Every other team wants these players,” he said on Colours Cineplex.

“The fourth would be Tilak Varma. I feel they should release Hardik Pandya and then use the RTM for him. He is a good player but due to injuries, the other franchises doesn’t value him that much and he is no longer the Indian team’s skipper. However, you won’t get Bumrah even for 70-75 crore,” he added.

In 13 innings, Hardik scored 216 runs at an average of 18.00 in IPL 2024. The all-rounder took 11 wickets in 12 innings but conceded runs at an economy of 10.75.