Batting maestro Rohit Sharma's association with Mumbai Indians is legendary, having led the team to five IPL titles. However, his future with the franchise is now uncertain ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction.
Previously, Rohit would have been the automatic choice for retention. However, with the acquisition of Hardik Pandya as MI's new captain, Rohit's position has become less secure.
What if Rohit Sharma enters IPL 2025 auction? Harbhajan Singh answers
India's legendary spinner and Rohit's former MI teammate Harbhajan Singh believes that if the Mumbai star enters the auction, his status as the captain of the Indian cricket team will make him a highly sought-after player, potentially sparking a 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. I'm sure many teams must be thinking along those lines," Harbhajan told TOI.
"Rohit Sharma, as a leader and a player, is amazing. He's a top-quality player, top-quality captain and leader. He is a proven match-winner. Even at 37, he still has a lot of cricket left in him. If Rohit enters the auction, he will fetch big bucks. It will be exciting to see the auction unfold," Harbhajan added.
Meanwhile, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Rohit Sharma's relationship with Mumbai Indians may be coming to an end. Chopra feels that MI may not retain Rohit and that he could receive better offers from other franchises.
"Will he stay or will he go? It's a big question. Personally, I feel he will not stay. Whoever is retained will be with the thinking that he will remain with you for three years unless your name is MS Dhoni," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.
"MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings' story is very different but Rohit Sharma at MI, I feel he might himself leave or MI might leave him. Anything can happen but I don't think Rohit is going to be retained here. I don't have any information but I feel Rohit will probably be released," he added.
Aakash Chopra believes that Rohit Sharma could be directly traded to another IPL team instead of entering the auction. However, he is confident that Rohit will not be playing for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL season.
"He might go to someone in the trade window, that's a possibility that he doesn't go to the auction, but if that doesn't happen, he might be seen in the auction. I feel his journey with the Mumbai Indians is over," Chopra further added.
The Hit-man took over as captain of Mumbai Indians midway through the 2013 season after Ricky Ponting stepped down. Under Rohit's leadership, Mumbai became one of the most successful franchises in the IPL, winning five titles. Rohit also led Team India to T20 World Cup 2024 title triumph. It will be intriguing to see if Mumbai Indians allow him to leave before the start of the 18th season of the IPL.
