The future of Mumbai Indians star Rohit Sharma is shrouded in uncertainty ahead of the IPL mega-auction later this year. Having been stripped of the MI captaincy ahead of IPL 2024, there is a possibility that he could leave the five-time champions. Ambati Rayudu wants Rohit to end his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings, while Delhi Capitals are also tipped to join.
Lucknow Super Giants have emerged as another franchise keen to sign Rohit if given the chance. However, no one knows where Rohit's next chapter will unfold until the mega auction takes place. When Rohit's name was mentioned, LSG coach Justin Langer was excited. He had been asked to name one player that he would like to see in the team.
Langer was all smiles when asked about Rohit Sharma:
“You can be a negotiator if we’re going to lure Rohit Sharma here from Mumbai.”
The IPL mega-auction will be in December and the meeting between the 10 franchise owners and the BCCI will be on April 16, where issues such as player retention will be on the agenda. In the 2022 mega-auction, franchises were allowed to retain four players and use one right-to-match card.
Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav will be retained by Mumbai Indians. The fourth retention is yet to be decided. Rohit Sharma, a 5-time IPL-winning captain, has been the face of the franchise since leading them to their first title in 2013. However, at 37, it remains to be seen whether MI will retain Sharma amid rumours of friction with current captain Pandya.