Sharma's Thanks on MI's Fourth Pick Retention

Rohit Sharma has expressed his delight after being retained by the Mumbai Indians (MI) for INR 16.30 crore, making him the fourth-highest-paid player in the franchise for IPL 2025. As the captain who has led MI to five IPL championships, his retention reflects his integral role in the team’s legacy. Notably, he ranks below Jasprit Bumrah (INR 18 crore), Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav (INR 16.35 crore each), yet he embraces the decision to focus on players actively representing India.

In a candid chat with JioCinema, Rohit shared his views on the retention strategy, stating, “Having retired from the T20 format, I believe this is the ideal spot for me. Players currently representing the national team deserve precedence, which is why I’m happy with this outcome.”

As Rohit approaches what might be his last IPL season after stepping back from international T20s post-World Cup, he looks forward to mentoring MI’s emerging talent, such as Tilak Varma. Reflecting on his emotional ties to Mumbai, he noted, “Playing here has been significant for my career; this city holds countless memories.”

Despite recent team setbacks, Rohit’s leadership will remain pivotal, providing stability for MI under new captain Hardik Pandya. With an emphasis on cultivating young talent, MI is poised for a promising future while still relying on Rohit’s invaluable experience.