The BCCI has announced the regulations for the upcoming IPL mega auction, including changes to retention slabs and the use of Right-To-Match cards, but these updates have left Mumbai Indians (MI) facing tough decisions.
One major question concerns the future of former captain Rohit Sharma with the franchise. Will MI retain Rohit, and does the India captain want to continue his career in Mumbai?
Rumors about Rohit’s future began swirling after he was unexpectedly removed as MI captain last December, with Hardik Pandya named as his replacement.
Amid these speculations, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, speaking with Star Sports, expressed that Rohit should only play in the IPL as a captain. Since MI can no longer offer him the captaincy, Kaif suggested Rohit should leave the franchise.
“Rohit Sharma should only play as a captain. He’s such a big player, and after leading India to a T20 World Cup win, he’ll have offers. I believe he should only accept a captaincy role, and with MI unable to provide that, Rohit should move on. He has just 2-3 years left in his IPL career, and those years should be spent leading a team,” Kaif said.
As speculation grows about Rohit and MI parting ways before the auction in November, teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings are seen as potential destinations, both searching for new captains. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals are also likely to be in the market for a leader ahead of the 2025 IPL season.
However, Kaif believes Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) should make a strong bid for Rohit to end their long IPL trophy drought. “RCB should go all out to convince him to take up captaincy. Rohit knows how to build a winning XI, and his leadership could help RCB finally lift the IPL trophy,” Kaif added.
RCB, currently led by Faf Du Plessis, are reportedly looking for an Indian captain due to Du Plessis’ age. KL Rahul and even former captain Virat Kohli have been linked as potential options for the leadership role.