IPL 2025: From Deepak Chahar to Rohit Sharma, 3 MI Players Who Flopped in 2024

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The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah on November 24-25, marked a new chapter for the Mumbai Indians. Having spent strategically on retaining stars such as Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, MI also secured 18 players to reinforce their squad for the upcoming season.

Big names such as Kiwi pacer Trent Boult and English all-rounder Will Jacks headline their acquisitions, joining a retained core led by Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Mumbai Indians, five-time IPL champions, are determined to reclaim their dominance after a mixed 2024 campaign. Despite their bold moves, some of their marquee players fell short of expectations in IPL 2024. Established players like former captain Rohit Sharma were among those whose underwhelming performances drew criticism. Here's a closer look at their struggles and how these might impact their roles in IPL 2025.

Will Jacks: The Disappointing Overseas Star

Will Jacks arrived at Mumbai Indians with high expectations following his ₹5.25 crore signing. Despite a decent showing in domestic leagues and a few stellar T20 franchise outings earlier in 2024, his IPL season was a letdown.

Jacks scored 230 runs in 8 matches, including a solitary century, at a strike rate of 175.57. However, his inconsistency was glaring, with multiple low scores that often left MI struggling at the top. In T20Is, Jacks averaged only 20.2 across 10 innings in 2024, further highlighting his inability to adapt to high-pressure situations.

While his occasional brilliance with the bat promises potential, Jacks must address his inconsistency if he is to secure his place in the XI for IPL 2025.

Rohit Sharma: A Legend in Decline

Rohit Sharma's stature as one of IPL's greatest players remains undisputed, but 2024 was far from his best year. Despite scoring 417 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 150.0, his innings often lacked the consistency needed from a top-order batter. Although he managed a century, his high dot-ball percentage and inability to capitalise during crucial phases drew criticism.

In T20Is, Rohit’s 378 runs at a strike rate of 159.5 were respectable, yet they failed to mask his struggles in other formats, including Test cricket. His declining form, combined with mounting calls for his Test retirement, raises questions about his mental readiness for IPL 2025. As MI’s retained icon, Rohit faces immense pressure to rediscover his best form in what could be a defining season for his IPL legacy.

Deepak Chahar: A Risky Investment

Deepak Chahar's acquisition for ₹9.25 crore was one of MI’s most debated moves at the auction. Known for his powerplay prowess, Chahar’s recent performances have been riddled with inconsistency and injuries.

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, he took just six wickets in as many matches at an economy rate of 7.33, far from his best. His injury-prone nature further compounds Mumbai’s risk, given their heavy reliance on fit bowlers.

Chahar’s struggles extended to his domestic season, with middling returns in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy. Critics have labelled him the “worst buy” for MI in 2025, as his hefty price tag may outweigh his contributions. If Chahar fails to find form quickly, he could disrupt MI’s bowling strategies in the upcoming season.