IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma's fate sealed before Mega Auctio

As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, all eyes are set on the high-stakes retention decisions of the Mumbai Indians (MI), with none more fascinating than the fate of their long-time superstar Rohit Sharma.

Last season, the Mumbai Indians (MI) handed over the captaincy reins to Hardik Pandya, forcing their five-time title-winning captain Rohit to step down from his leadership role.

Harbhajan Singh hails Rohit Sharma as a top-quality player and captain

Now, one question is doing rounds among the fans and cricket experts: whether the Mumbai Indians (MI) retain their legendary opener and former captain, or he would be heading to the IPL 2025 mega auction pool.

Now, Harbhajan Singh shared his views on the debate. The former India and Mumbai Indians (MI) spinner said that if the franchise decides against retaining Rohit Sharma, it could trigger one of the most intense bidding wars in IPL history.

The Indian captain, who is known for his explosive batting as an opener and has a proven track record as a leader, still has plenty of cricket left in him, even at 37, claimed the former IPL winner.

Harbhajan stressed that Rohit’s huge experience and his match-winning abilities will aggravate the franchises for hefty bids if he becomes available in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.

If Rohit Sharma enters the IPL 2025 mega auction, he will fetch big bucks: Harbhajan Singh

Yet, with Hardik Pandya now at the helm and the MI eyeing a future-focused strategy, MI may have to make a difficult call. Harbhajan said that if MI let their former captain go, then the upcoming mega auction would be a dramatic affair, and the spotlight would be on who can claim the prized asset.

Harbhajan Singh was quoted as saying by the Times of India on the sidelines of an event in Delhi: “It will be interesting to see whether he will be retained or not. If he goes into the auction pool, it will be fascinating to see which team bids for him. I’m sure many teams must be thinking along those lines.”

He further noted, “Rohit Sharma, as a leader and a player, is amazing, he’s a top-quality player, top-quality captain, and leader. He’s a proven matchwinner. Even at 37, he still has a lot of cricket left in him. If Rohit enters the auction, he will fetch big bucks. It will be exciting to see the auction unfold.”

Rohit Sharma toh yaaro ka yaar hai: Harbhajan Singh

Rohit is a fan favorite both on and off the field, and his bond with his teammates and his larger-than-life presence in the IPL makes him irreplaceable in the hearts of many. Harbhajan, who played under Rohit in the IPL for MI, has described the Indian opener as his "yaaro ka yaar.".

The former Indian spinner said that Rohit respects his elders and is happy for him that he won the T20 World Cup 2024 as a captain. Harbhajan signed off by saying, “Rohit toh yaaro ka yaar hai. Apna bhai hai. I’m happy India won the World Cup under him. It’s always great to see him smiling. He respects his elders, and that’s one of his best qualities.”