ONIC Esports has once again become the center of attention ahead of the start of MPL ID Season 17. As one of the most successful organizations in the history of Indonesian Mobile Legends, every setback ONIC has experienced has almost always led to the same big question: do they need to make major roster changes? As a result, the issue of ONIC roster changes has immediately resurfaced.

ONIC’s failure at the M7 World Championship has become the main trigger for this debate. Arriving as one of the tournament favorites with high expectations, ONIC has only managed to finish in seventh place. This result has clearly fallen far below the standards that have long been attached to the Yellow Hedgehog squad. It has been understandable that fans and analysts have begun questioning ONIC’s direction heading into MPL ID S17.

In the age of social media, narratives around failure have often been simplified into instant solutions: replace the players. The same thing has happened to ONIC. Rumors surrounding ONIC roster changes have spread rapidly, even before the team has truly resumed activities after M7.

However, has a single international failure really meant that ONIC roster changes have become mandatory? Or has this simply been an emotional reaction that has ignored the broader context of ONIC’s overall strength? To answer this, the situation must be viewed more rationally and in greater depth.

ONIC Roster Changes Have Dominated Social Media

After ONIC has been eliminated earlier than expected at M7, social media timelines have been flooded with speculation about ONIC roster changes. Big names such as Kairi, Kiboy, and even Sanz have been dragged into various rumors. Some have claimed that Kairi wants to return to the Philippines, while others have argued that Kiboy has already passed his prime. Even Sanz has not escaped gossip suggesting that he could be released.

The problem is that none of these rumors have had a solid foundation. Based on information obtained by Dunia Games, ONIC has still been on post-M7 break. This has meant that internal activities such as trials, roster evaluations, and transfer discussions have not yet been actively conducted.

Under these circumstances, talk of ONIC roster changes has actually been very premature. Most of the rumors have been driven more by fan disappointment than by concrete facts. This has been a classic phenomenon for big teams: when they lose, the spotlight has immediately shifted to individual players rather than the system as a whole.

It is important to note that ONIC has not failed because of a single player. Their defeat at M7 has been influenced more by META adaptation, game momentum, and execution during crucial moments. Making roster changes without deep analysis would only risk damaging the foundation that has been built over many years.

Does Failing at M7 Mean Roster Changes Are Mandatory?

The short answer is no. Failing at M7 has not automatically made ONIC roster changes a necessity. In esports competition, especially at the global level, failure has always been part of the cycle. Even the best teams in the world have not consistently won every tournament.

When looking at ONIC’s current lineup, their roster has still been filled with elite players. Kairi has remained a world-class jungler with exceptional mechanics and decision-making. Sanz has continued to be flexible and dangerous across multiple roles. Kiboy has been known as a roamer with strong team-fight instincts.

Even Skylar, who has been the newest addition to ONIC, has already shown very solid performances. He has even played a crucial role in helping ONIC win MPL ID Season 16. This fact has strengthened the argument that ONIC roster changes have not been an instant or mandatory solution.

Within the context of MPL ID, ONIC’s overall level of play has objectively remained above most other Indonesian teams. Their main issue has not been individual quality, but rather consistency and adaptation to international-level dynamics.

Evaluation Has Been More Important Than Overhauls

Instead of immediately deciding on ONIC roster changes, a far more reasonable step has been conducting a thorough evaluation. This evaluation has covered many aspects: drafts, communication, late-game execution, and players’ mental readiness under high-pressure matches.

ONIC has long been known as a team with a strong system. They have had experienced coaches and analysts. With these resources, internal evaluations should have been able to identify core problems without sacrificing roster stability.

Frequent roster overhauls would only risk disrupting team chemistry. In MPL ID, which has featured a long and demanding format, chemistry has often been the key difference between consistent teams and inconsistent ones. ONIC has already had that chemistry, and breaking it without strong reasons would have been a step backward.

That is why discussions around ONIC roster changes should have been viewed as a last option, not the first. If changes are to be made, they should be minor and highly selective, rather than large-scale overhauls.

ONIC Has Only Needed a Reset and Refocus

After going through a long and exhausting season, it has been natural for a team’s performance to decline. In ONIC’s case, what they have needed has not been a revolution, but a reset—mental reset, strategic reset, and renewed focus.

With sufficient rest time, ONIC has had a strong opportunity to return in fresher condition for MPL ID S17. Their bitter experience at M7 could have become fuel for motivation, not a reason to panic and force ONIC roster changes.

Historically, ONIC has often come back stronger after experiencing failure. They have been known as a team that learns quickly and adapts effectively. With the current roster, the potential to dominate MPL ID again has remained very open.

In the domestic scene, ONIC should still have been a benchmark for other teams. Mechanically, strategically, and in terms of experience, they have remained in the top tier. Making roster changes without urgent necessity would only risk lowering that level.

ONIC Roster Changes Are Not an Absolute Answer

The issue of ONIC roster changes may sound appealing and easy to sell as a narrative. However, when analyzed objectively, changing the roster has not been a mandatory solution to ONIC’s failure at M7.

ONIC’s current roster has still been filled with “monsters” in the Indonesian MLBB scene. Even the newest player, Skylar, has already proven his value by winning MPL ID Season 16. This has shown that the team’s foundation has remained very strong.

What ONIC has needed ahead of MPL ID S17 has been evaluation, reset, and renewed focus on their core strengths. If any changes are to be made, they should be based on system needs, not public pressure.

With the right approach, ONIC has not only been capable of bouncing back in MPL ID S17, but also of becoming a serious threat once again at the international level. So, are ONIC roster changes really mandatory? The answer is clear: no.

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