Speculation is increasing about Rohit Sharma’s possible exit from the Mumbai Indians for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Tensions reportedly emerged between Sharma and the franchise after Hardik Pandya was appointed as the new captain, a decision made prior to the IPL 2024 auction.
Following India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, Sharma announced his retirement from T20I cricket, which heightens the significance of his participation in the IPL as he navigates this transitional phase in his career.
Former Indian player, Mohammad Kaif has now suggested that the former Indian opener should only feature in the IPL as a captain, and despite interest from Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans, Kaif backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to sign the former MI captain.
“Rohit Sharma should only play as a captain. He is such a big player and recently led India to a T20 World Cup win. He will surely have offers. I know because people must have been ringing him up with offers. But I feel he should only take up the captaincy role in whichever franchise he goes. And Rohit Sharma should leave. He has just 2-3 years left in his IPL career, and those years should be spent as a captain because of what he can do on the field; very few people have that ability,” Kaif said.
“RCB should take that chance, 100 percent, by hook or by crook, they must convince him to take up captaincy. Rohit knows very well how to form an XI so RCB will have the advantage if he is picked and probably their trophy drought could also end,” he added.
Mohmmad Kaif:- "I'm telling you with a guarantee that Rohit Sharma turns a player from an 18 to a 20.He understands tactical moves very well. If RCB gets a chance, they should definitely take Rohit Sharma as captain."#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/Rjz0ksWv6V
— ASHER. (@ASHUTOSHAB10731) September 29, 2024
Faf Du Plessis has captained RCB for the past three seasons, but with his advancing age, reports surfaced in July suggesting the franchise is looking for an Indian player to lead the team. KL Rahul has been mentioned as a potential candidate, especially given the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Lucknow Super Giants. Additionally, there are rumors that RCB may approach Virat Kohli to return to the captaincy role he relinquished in 2021.
Moving Rohit Sharma from the Mumbai Indians to RCB could be tricky. He has been an important player for MI over the years, so this change would need to be managed carefully to help him fit in well.
The leadership situation might be complicated too, especially since Virat Kohli has a strong history as captain of RCB, which could make things challenging. Additionally, the costs involved and how the auction works will play a big role in deciding if this move can actually happen.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
