Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has speculated that star batter Rohit Sharma and young wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan might not be part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad in the next Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season. The uncertainty surrounding Rohit’s future with MI arose after he was stripped off his captaincy, with Hardik Pandya taking over the role for IPL 2024. Unfortunately, MI had a dismal season, finishing last in the 10-team points table.
Rohit Sharma to seek change ahead of IPL 2025
Discussing MI’s potential strategy for the IPL 2025 mega auction, Chopra suggested that Rohit Sharma might have already played his last game for the franchise.
Regarding Rohit Sharma, Chopra added, “I think Rohit Sharma has played his last match for the Mumbai Indians, whether he doesn’t want to be retained or the franchise lets him go.”
Throughout the season, speculation circulated that the mood in MI‘s dressing room had deteriorated following the leadership switch. Meanwhile, Rohit had a solid IPL 2024 season with the bat, scoring 417 runs at an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150. He scored a century and a half-century, his highest score being an undefeated 105.
Despite great expectations, MI’s season plummeted, resulting in a bottom-of-the-table finish. According to Chopra, the five-time champs are planning major changes for the upcoming season, which might result in Ishan Kishan’s departure.
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Ishan Kishan likely to be released ahead of IPL 2025
Aakash Chopra also mentioned that Ishan Kishan might be released due to his hefty price tag, although MI could consider using the ‘Right to Match’ card to retain him if necessary.
“I think they will let Ishan Kishan go. They might use the ‘Right to Match’ card because 15.5 crores is just too much money. I don’t think Ishan will be retained,” Chopra stated on his YouTube channel.
“Either way, I see them parting ways. I don’t think you will be seeing Rohit Sharma in the Mumbai Indians jersey again. That’s just my understanding. I might be wrong but I feel, either which way, Rohit Sharma will not be playing for the Mumbai Indians when you start the next season,” he further explained.
Rohit’s next major assignment is to lead the Indian cricket team in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. India’s campaign will begin against Ireland on June 5.Hardik Pandya’s inclusion as vice-captain for the national squad was also a topic of discussion among experts, but the selectors have shown faith in the all-rounder by appointing him as the vice-captain for the tournament.
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