Rohit Sharma, India’s ODI and Test captain, may be leaving Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. After leading MI to five IPL titles, Rohit was replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya for IPL 2024. The season was disappointing for MI, finishing last with only 4 wins in 14 matches.
Rohit, who is MI’s highest-paid player with a salary of Rs 16 crore, might be a target for other teams if he decides to move. One potential suitor is the Punjab Kings (PBKS), owned by Bollywood star Preity Zinta. A PBKS official confirmed interest in Rohit, with Director of Cricket Operations Sanjay Bangar noting that any move would depend on their budget.
Shikhar Dhawan, who was PBKS’s captain, has retired, leaving the team in need of a new leader. Rohit, with his impressive IPL record of 6,628 runs in 257 matches and a strike rate of 131.14, is seen as a top candidate. Sam Curran, who captained PBKS in IPL 2024, will need to be replaced as the team looks to strengthen its leadership.
Punjab Kings is yet to win an IPL trophy even after playing the tournament since its inception in 2008. Bringing in Rohit Sharma as the captain could really change the fortunes for PBKS. Sharma is a five time IPL winning captain, who could unlock the doors of trophy for Preity Zinta’s team.