Rohit Sharma's departure from Mumbai Indians confirmed by Mark Boucher
Published - 18 May 2024, 12:02 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:11 AM
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Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mark Boucher made interesting remarks regarding Rohit Sharma's future with the team. Mark Boucher highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma's participation with MI in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Rohit Sharma was removed from the captaincy before last year's mini-auction. Hardik Pandya was named captain, but he struggled to lead the team throughout the tournament. Mumbai finished at the bottom of the 10-team table with eight points in 14 matches.
The 37-year-old scored 68 runs off 38 balls in MI's last league match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday, May 17. MI failed to chase down the target of 215 runs in 20 overs. The Hardik Pandya-led team suffered an 18-run loss at their home ground.
Rohit Sharma Is A Master Of His Own Destiny - Mark Boucher
Following MI's disappointing IPL 2024 season, Mark Boucher commented on Rohit Sharma's future with the team. Boucher stated that Sharma might enter the upcoming mega auction later this year.
"For me, he is a master of his own destiny. It's a big auction next season who knows what's going to happen?" Boucher said in a post-match press conference.
The former MI skipper started the season on a positive note before struggling with his form. He ended the season with 417 runs in 14 matches with an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150. The right-handed batter smashed one century and one half-century.
Had A Discussion With Rohit Sharma Last Night - Mark Boucher
Mark Boucher disclosed a conversation with Rohit Sharma about his aspirations after the IPL 2024. The former South African cricketer noted that Rohit began the season strongly before encountering difficulties in the latter stages.
"I had a discussion with Rohit Sharma last night. We reviewed the season this year. After that, I asked him what's next? and Rohit said 'the World Cup'", Boucher added.
"It's almost a season of two halves for him. He started the season well and hit the ball sweetly in the nets. He got a superb 100 against CSK as well. So we honestly thought he was on a great path for us to go out there and get some good runs," he further said.
It's Just The Nature Of T20 As Well - Mark Boucher
The MI head coach acknowledged Rohit Sharma's attempt to adapt with an aggressive approach as an opening batter. Boucher highlighted Sharma's positive end to the season with a fantastic knock.
"Unfortunately, it's just the nature of T20 as well. He went out there trying to be aggressive, the new way of playing as an opening batter. He got a few low scores, which unfortunately didn't help us in that particular situation either. But tonight, he finished off with a fantastic knock as well. So yeah, it is a season of two halves for him," Boucher added.
Rohit Sharma scored his second IPL century against the Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium. He scored an unbeaten 105 runs off 63 balls in a losing cause. However, the veteran opener was dismissed for single-digit scores in four out of six subsequent appearances.
Rohit Sharma will be next seen in action during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the USA. The batter will lead the Men in Blue in the upcoming ICC tournament.
Also read: Hardik Pandya banned by BCCI from IPL 2025 following loss to Lucknow Super Giants due to this reason
