Rohit Sharma’s Future with Mumbai Indians in Doubt as IPL 2025 Mega Auction Looms
With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching and the deadline for finalizing retention lists set for October 31, speculation is rife about whether Mumbai Indians (MI) will retain their former captain Rohit Sharma. Although Rohit has been instrumental in MI’s success, leading the team to five IPL titles, his future with the franchise for the next three years is uncertain, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
Mumbai Indians Face Crucial Decision on Rohit’s Retention
Rohit Sharma, at 37, still has a lot to offer both as a player and a leader. However, with Mumbai Indians recently transitioning leadership to Hardik Pandya, who was named captain last season, the likelihood of MI retaining their former skipper is in question. Despite Rohit’s contributions, MI’s performance under Hardik’s captaincy last season left fans disappointed as the team finished in last place. This adds complexity to MI’s decision-making ahead of the auction.
Harbhajan Singh Predicts Intense Bidding War
Rohit’s former teammate, Harbhajan Singh, weighed in on the situation, stating that if Mumbai Indians choose not to retain Rohit, his entry into the auction could trigger a massive bidding war. “It will be interesting to see whether he will be retained or not. If he goes into the auction pool, it will be fascinating to see which team bids for him,” Harbhajan said during an interview with Times of India. He added, “Many teams must be thinking about him. Even at 37, Rohit has plenty of cricket left in him. As a proven match-winner and captain, he will fetch big bucks at the auction.”
Rohit’s Value as a Leader and Player
Praising Rohit’s leadership and playing ability, Harbhajan highlighted that his experience, both as a top-class player and as a successful captain, makes him an attractive option for several IPL franchises looking for a strong leader to build their team around. Rohit has been a crucial asset to Mumbai Indians, and even though the franchise opted for a leadership change, his influence remains significant.
Other Teams Keeping an Eye on Rohit
Apart from Mumbai, other teams, such as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), have reportedly shown interest in securing Rohit’s services. RCB, in particular, might be looking for a new captain to replace Faf du Plessis, and Rohit’s name has surfaced as a potential target. With multiple teams in need of an experienced captain, the bidding for Rohit could reach unprecedented levels if he is placed in the auction pool.
What’s Next for Mumbai Indians?
If Mumbai Indians decide to move on from Rohit, they may focus on retaining their current captain, Hardik Pandya, alongside star players such as Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah. Rising talents like Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma are also likely contenders for retention as the team prepares for the next season.
While MI fans wait anxiously to see if their former captain will remain with the franchise, all eyes are on the upcoming retention deadline and the potential reshuffling of IPL teams during the mega auction.(cricket betting app)