Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has named three players which Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of mega auction IPL 2022.

Sehwag feels the five-time champions should retain Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit has been one of the best leaders in the IPL as he has led MI to five titles.

Kishan has shown the skills to go a long way in his career and Sehwag reckons the franchise should consider him as he has got age on his side. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah has shown an upward swing in his improvement graph since making his IPL debut and he is currently one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.

Thus, all of these three players have played a key role in the success of Mumbai Indians and Sehwag feels the team should back them in the mega auction. Sehwag opined that if Hardik Pandya doesn’t bowl due to his injury woes, he won’t be able to attract a huge price in the auction.

“I think I would retain Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. Ishan seems to be in it for the long haul, age is on his side so he can serve you better. If Hardik Pandya doesn’t bowl, I don’t think he would be able to fetch big money at the auction because due to his injury concerns, everyone would think twice.

Sehwag added that Pandya will be the center of attraction in the auction if he proves his fitness and starts bowling again in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“Will he bowl or not? If he can declare himself fit and start bowling then teams can buy him at the auction. The kind of performance Ishan Kishan has dished out today, expect many more from him in time to come because is a top-order batsman, unlike Hardik Pandya who bats lower,” Sehwag added.

Meanwhile, Kishan smashed 84 runs off just 32 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the team’s last league stage match.

It will be interesting to note Mumbai Indians’ retentions in the mega auctions. MI has a great scouting system and they will surely look to add some new exciting talents to their new team.