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Rohit Sharma of Mumbai Indians
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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is often filled with surprising twists and shifts in team compositions. One of the latest speculations revolves around Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who may be parting ways with Mumbai Indians (MI), a team he has led for many seasons.

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With the IPL 2025 auction approaching, there are growing whispers that Sharma might either be traded or released from the franchise.

Will Rohit Sharma leave Mumbai Indians?

As rumors continue to circulate, they gained more momentum when former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on the matter during his YouTube segment.

Addressing a fan's query, Chopra suggested that the veteran cricketer might part ways with MI, indicating that the franchise could either release him before the auction or trade him to another team.

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He said, "Will he stay, or will he go? It's a big question. Personally, I feel he will not stay. Whoever is retained will be with the thinking that he will remain with you for three years, unless your name is MS Dhoni. MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings' story is very different but Rohit Sharma at MI, I feel he might himself leave or MI might leave him."

Why might Mumbai Indians release Rohit Sharma ahead of IPL 2025 auction?

Chopra pointed out that franchises typically retain players for a three-year period, and this might not apply to Rohit Sharma anymore.

The dynamics within MI also shifted when Hardik Pandya was named the team captain after being acquired from Gujarat Titans, signaling possible internal tensions.

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Chopra further mentioned that there’s a chance that Rohit may not go through the auction process at all, as a trade window deal could take place before then.

He further added, “Anything can happen, but I don't think Rohit is going to be retained here. I don't have any information, but I feel Rohit will probably be released. He might go to someone in the trade window, that's a possibility that he doesn't go to the auction, but if that doesn't happen, he might be seen in the auction. I feel his journey with the Mumbai Indians is over."

Can Rohit Sharma join Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2025 auction?

In an interview with News24, Jonty Rhodes, who is LSG's fielding expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of Rohit joining the team.

"If Rohit Sharma comes into the auction, LSG is ready to welcome him. He’s such a great player, every team will be glad to go for him," he had stated.

'It depends on Mumbai Indians releasing Rohit Sharma' - LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka on targeting India captain

Lucknow franchise's owner Sanjiv Goenka also reiterated Rhodes' statement saying that the team will consider the India captain as a possible signing if the Mumbai Indians franchise opt to release or trade the player.

"Do you even know if Rohit Sharma is entering the auction? This is all unnecessary. It all depends on whether Mumbai Indians release Rohit Sharma or not. And even if Rohit comes to auction, if you put 50 per cent of your purse on one player, how will you buy other players?" Goenka said.

"Everyone wishes to have the best captain and best players. It's not about wanting. It all depends on what you have, and what is available, and what all you can do with it. Every franchise will have the same desire," he added.

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Author(s)
Saurav Goyal Photo

Saurav Goyal is a content producer for The Sporting News’ India edition.