The third NZ vs IND ODI on Tuesday in Hamilton was called off due to rain. It was India who won the toss and opted to bowl first, with the game reduced to 40 overs per side. Both teams will now head to Mount Maunganui for the final two ODIs. 

Once the game was officially called off, the players were seen shaking hands with each other. Veteran star Rohit Sharma and New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner came face-to-face, and the Indian batter said, “Hey Mitchy."

To which Santner replied, “Hey skipper." Sharma replied, “Thanks, man.” The 39-year-old has been linked with a potential return as the captain of Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2027.

Santner plays for MI in the Indian Premier League. 

Rohit Sharma - Mitchhy

Mitchell Santner - Hey Skipper (while laughing)

Rohit Sharma - Thanks Man.

It's official and every player of Mumbai Indians knows the news. 😭 pic.twitter.com/RxcwrcjOr6

— Selfless Cricket (@SelflessCricket) November 10, 2026

Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma were also contenders. Rohit’s amazing record and pedigree as a leader have worked in his favour. MI’s last title win came in 2020 under Sharma's captaincy, with the franchise defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. 

Hardik Pandya is slated to move to Punjab Kings, ending his second stint with the five-time winners. The all-rounder was given the captaincy in 2024, which didn’t sit down well with the MI fans.

Mumbai finished tenth in 2024, and ninth in the IPL 2026 campaign. The only bright spot was the playoff finish in 2025, where they lost to Punjab in Qualifier 2 and missed out on a chance to make the final. 

Indian left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is being traded to the Mumbai Indians in exchange for Hardik. The 27-year-old’s addition will give Mumbai a polished bowling attack, also comprising Jasprit Bumrah. The move was confirmed on Tuesday by Arshdeep's father while speaking to veteran scribe Vimal Kumar in New Zealand. 

Plenty of changes in MI camp

Mahela Jayawardene, who was the head coach for the last two seasons, also stepped down last month. He was promptly replaced by Kieron Pollard, who has been with the franchise for over 16 years. 

Even the backroom staff will wear a new look, with the likes of Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey, and Carl Hopkinson gone. Ex-India batter Robin Uthappa has been named the new batting coach, with Mitchell McClenaghan overseeing the bowling duties, and T. Dilip will be the new fielding coach of the side heading into the new season.