IPL 2025: Potential New Teams For Rohit Sharma After Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to conclude his 13-year association with Mumbai Indians before the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The event is expected to take place later this year or at the start of 2025.

The 37-year-old cricketer began his IPL journey with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. He joined Mumbai Indians in 2011 and led them to five IPL titles, a joint record.

Despite his success, MI removed Rohit from captaincy, appointing Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2024. This decision caused unrest within the squad and among fans.

Rumours suggested that Rohit might leave Mumbai Indians via a trade before the season began. However, he played under Hardik's leadership as the team finished last for the first time.

After leading India to a T20 World Cup victory last month, new reports indicate that Mumbai Indians may struggle to retain some big names, including Rohit. He hinted that IPL 2024 might be his last season with the franchise.

If released, Rohit will attract interest from all teams despite turning 38 next year. His captaincy skills are particularly appealing to at least four teams, with two being very keen on acquiring him in the mega auction.

Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants are reportedly looking for a player with captaincy potential at the IPL 2025 Auction. CSK may have internal solutions while RCB might explore different options as they will outbid others.

The final decision will depend on teams' retention plans, rules, and salary caps for retained players. However, three teams are likely to make significant efforts to secure Rohit's services at the auction.

Lucknow Super Giants: The Lucknow-based team is expected to release KL Rahul, their captain for the past three seasons. If they do release Rahul, they may target Rohit as their new captain if they prefer an Indian player in that role.

LSG also has Nicholas Pooran as an option but could name Rohit as their captain if they save funds by releasing Rahul. Rahul might then join RCB to fill multiple roles including captaincy.

Delhi Capitals: DC is reportedly planning changes in leadership as they may release current skipper Rishabh Pant. Pant has been linked with a move to CSK to replace Mahendra Singh Dhoni as wicketkeeper and possibly take over as skipper.

If Pant leaves DC, Rohit's next IPL team could be Delhi Capitals due to their substantial auction budget. They might face competition from Punjab Kings in this regard.

Punjab Kings: PBKS might lack a captaincy candidate after retentions if they release both Shikhar Dhawan and Sam Curran who have led in recent seasons.

If PBKS saves up their purse heading into the auction, they could be strong contenders for Rohit's calibre. This will depend on salary cap decisions expected in a BCCI meeting later this month.

Mumbai Indians' decision regarding Rohit's future will significantly impact the upcoming auction dynamics. Teams are eagerly waiting to see if he becomes available for bidding.