Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma said that it was “heart-breaking” for the team to have to release some of their key players ahead of the mega auction. The five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions announced on Tuesday that they had retained Rohit, batsman Suryakumar Yadav, all-rounder Kieron Pollard and fast bowler Trent Boult ahead of the mega-auction.

It meant that they had to let go of Ishan Kishan, Hardik and Krunal Pandya and pace spearhead Trent Boult, all of whom were integral to their run to a fifth title in 2020.

“As you all know, it was going to be the toughest retention for Mumbai Indians this year. We have had solid players, absolutely gun players in our squad and to release them is absolutely heart-breaking,” Rohit said after the retentions were announced.

“They have done some amazing work for this franchise, created a lot of memories. So, to let them go was really tough. Four players including myself – hopefully we can form a good core and create a solid team around us,” he said.

Rohit said that the team will be looking to build a core again in the auction. While the dates for the auction have not been announced yet, it is expected to take place in January.

“The immediate goal is to form a solid team and that will start at the auction. We’ll keep an eye on who we can get in the auction, find the right spot for the right players. So yeah, our scouts are doing a fantastic job, watching talents in and outside India. I have faith and belief in them. They have done an amazing job over the years finishing talent. Hopefully we can find some players that can form a good core,” added Rohit.