Rohit guided Mumbai Indians to all five of their IPL titles, winning the tournament in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. His possible return to the leadership role would mark a significant change for the franchise as it prepares for the 2027 season.
However, taking over as captain would mean Rohit could no longer feature as an Impact Player, a role he has performed over the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, who replaced Rohit as Mumbai Indians captain in 2024, is set to move to another franchise through a trade. TOI has learnt that MI are in discussions with three teams, with an official announcement expected soon.
The developments come as Mumbai Indians announced a major overhaul of their coaching staff on Friday under newly appointed head coach Kieron Pollard. Former India batter Robin Uthappa has been appointed batting coach, while former India fielding coach T Dilip will oversee the fielding department.
Uthappa represented Mumbai Indians during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Dilip, meanwhile, spent nearly five years with the Indian team and is believed to share a close rapport with Rohit.
Kulkarni, a former India and Mumbai teammate of Rohit, will take up a year-round role focusing on player development and strengthening the franchise's talent pool.
The appointments have further intensified speculation about Rohit's possible return to the captaincy, particularly as several members of the revamped support staff share close professional links with him.
Mumbai Indians are looking to end their six-year IPL title drought. The franchise last lifted the trophy in 2020 and endured a disappointing 2026 campaign, finishing ninth in the tournament.
The new coaching group's immediate priority will be to finalise the team's retentions ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction, scheduled to take place on December 16 in Goa. Pollard and his team will also need to formulate an auction strategy as Mumbai Indians prepare to rebuild following their disappointing 2026 campaign.
With Rohit's potential leadership return, Hardik's expected departure and a revamped coaching setup, Mumbai Indians are entering a crucial rebuilding phase ahead of IPL 2027.
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