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In a surprising turn of events, Rohit Sharma stepped down from T20I cricket after guiding India to T20 World Cup glory in 2024. The Indian skipper held off the news for a few minutes before revealing his decision during the post-match press conference on June 29. Notably, Rohit, who debuted in T20 internationals in 2007, holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian cricketer to play in every T20 World Cup held so far. Addressing the media, Rohit was questioned about his future in the IPL. The T20 legend assured everyone that he'll continue to grace the IPL with his presence.
Rohit Sharma on his IPL future
"I had not thought of retiring from T20I at this time, but the kind of situation has come, I thought it is the perfect situation for me to say goodbye to T20I and yes, I will 100% play IPL," Rohit said.
Rohit's future with Mumbai Indians (MI) is uncertain as the IPL 2025 mega-auction approaches. This comes after a shakeup in the MI leadership for IPL 2024. The franchise made a bold move by acquiring Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans and handing him the captaincy, replacing Rohit. This decision raised eyebrows as Rohit was still India's all-format captain in 2024, despite taking a break from T20Is in 2023. An interesting dynamic unfolded, with Rohit playing under Hardik Pandya in the IPL while Hardik served as his deputy in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This shift in power within MI and the upcoming mega-auction leave questions unanswered about Rohit's future with the franchise.
Hardik Pandya's stint as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain in IPL 2024 proved rocky. The team, which thrived under his leadership in Gujarat Titans (GT), winning the title in 2022 and reaching the finals in 2023, finished last under his captaincy for MI.
Rohit Sharma's recent triumph as India's T20 World Cup winning captain in 2024 could reignite his desire for the IPL captaincy, especially considering his ongoing leadership roles in Tests and ODIs. This, coupled with a potential separation from MI, could see him enter the IPL 2025 mega-auction as a coveted player. MI, known for their loyalty to players, is likely to stick with Hardik. They'll presumably give him a few seasons to prove himself, considering his past success. For Rohit, the upcoming mega-auction could mark a new chapter. Having participated in only two auctions previously (joining Deccan Chargers in 2008 and then being retained by MI since 2011), a potential split from MI could open doors to new opportunities. His experience and leadership skills, especially after the World Cup win, would make him a valuable asset to any franchise.
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