IPL 2024: Rohit Sharma To Leave Mumbai Indians? Team Official Provides Massive Update On Rohit's Future

Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma has a major role in the success of Indian Premier League giants Mumbai Indians. The latter has led the franchise to five IPL trophies, however, there were speculations that the franchise and the right-handed batsman are undergoing a revolt.

The speculations received more fire when all-rounder Hardik Pandya, was named as the captain of the team in place of Rohit. Pandya saw a homecoming and now will have the onus to lead the franchise to their sixth IPL title.

MI dismisses claims of rift with Rohit Sharma

The removal of Rohit Sharma from the captaincy was not liked by the MI fans and they were furious with the team management. The five-time IPL champions lost a million followers on Instagram after Hardik Pandya was announced as the team’s captain.

Amidst the tussle rumors of Rohit Sharma and Mumbai Indians, an MI official while speaking to Cricbuzz has dismissed all the claims. Calling the reports ‘false’, the official stated that Rohit was informed about Hardik’s return to MI.

Speaking to Cricbuzz on the sidelines of the IPL 2024 auction, the Mumbai Indians official said, “Rohit is not going anywhere, nor will any player. The news reports are totally fake and false. No MI player will be leaving us, nor will be traded by us. Every player was taken into confidence before the decision was made. Rohit too was informed, and he is very much part of the decision-making process.”

Apart from the speculations of Rohit’s war with the Mumbai Indians, some reports had also emerged that some of the senior MI players are willing to sign a transfer deal with big IPL franchises such as Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. As per the IPL rules, the trade window is open 30 days before the start of the Indian Premier League. The trade window will once again open on December 20.

The last few seasons have not been appealing for the Mumbai Indians as they have just been able to reach the playoffs once after winning the 2020 IPL. MI also finished at the bottom in 2022 and the management is looking beyond Rohit for the captaincy role.

Rohit is probably in the last phase of his cricketing career and at 36, is expected to play two to three more IPL editions. However, it depends upon his fitness and how long he is available to play for the ‘Men in Blue and Gold’. CSK skipper MS Dhoni has broken all the fitness barriers and is still available to lead the franchise at 43.

Will Hardik Pandya turn Mumbai Indians’ fortunes?

With Mumbai Indians all set to be led by Hardik Pandya, the franchise has a strong chance to get back their hands at the IPL trophy. Pandya has been explicit with the captaincy role and has already won an IPL trophy with the Gujarat Titans.

Captaincy has also brought in Hardik Pandya’s ‘A’ game and is performing with both and ball. The right-handed all-rounder has also been leading the Indian T20I side and is expected to replace Rohit in the shorter format.