Mumbai Indians are expected to undertake a comprehensive review of their IPL 2026 campaign when the franchise’s ownership and senior management meet in England next week, with player trades, leadership and the coaching setup all set to be examined as part of preparations for the next season, according to a report by the Times of India.
The review is expected to determine how the five-time IPL champions move forward after a disappointing campaign, with management due to assess Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene‘s post-season report before deciding the franchise’s cricket strategy ahead of IPL 2027.
Squad planning likely to feature prominently
One of the key areas expected to be discussed is the composition of the squad for next season.
Hardik Pandya’s future remains one of the major talking points following growing interest from other franchises in a potential trade. The report indicates that Mumbai Indians are expected to clarify their position only after completing the internal review.
The discussions are also expected to extend beyond Pandya, with another former India captain reportedly attracting interest from franchises. No further details about that player have been disclosed.
Coaching review forms part of wider assessment
The coaching structure is also expected to come under scrutiny as Mumbai Indians evaluate the factors behind their recent performances.
Jayawardene returned to the franchise ahead of the 2025 season, during which Mumbai Indians finished fourth before slipping to ninth place in IPL 2026. His post-season assessment is expected to play a central role in the wider review as the franchise considers the next phase of its rebuilding process.
Long-term leadership among the major decisions
Captaincy is another significant issue expected to be addressed as Mumbai Indians consider who will lead the side into IPL 2027.
Rather than opting for a short-term arrangement, the franchise is understood to be weighing leadership options capable of providing stability over a longer period. Jasprit Bumrah is among the players expected to feature prominently in those discussions after remaining a consistent presence for Mumbai Indians over the past three seasons.
He captained the side against Punjab Kings during IPL 2026 when Hardik Pandya and stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav were unavailable.
Jasprit Bumrah said at the toss, “I didn’t think that I would be a Test captain before becoming MI captain.”
Bumrah has previously captained India in Test cricket, including the victory over Australia in Perth during the opening match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was also Mumbai Indians’ highest-paid retained player ahead of the 2024 mega auction.
Tilak Varma is also believed to be among the leadership options being considered as the franchise evaluates its longer-term plans. The young batter continues to be viewed as an emerging leader, although Mumbai Indians now face the task of deciding which direction best aligns with their future strategy.
Review expected to influence franchise direction
The outcome of next week’s discussions is expected to guide decisions across several areas of the organisation rather than focusing on a single appointment or player.
With leadership, coaching and squad planning all under review, the meeting is set to play an important role in shaping Mumbai Indians’ preparations for IPL 2027 and their broader efforts to return to contention.
