IPL 2025: Harbhajan Singh speculates on Rohit's potential team shift
The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is set to be a pivotal one, with a mega auction anticipated. This event, last held in 2022, has sparked speculation about the future of ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma. Rumors suggest that Rohit may leave his long-time team, Mumbai Indians (MI), following their decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain. Here's more.
Harbhajan Singh fuels speculation about Sharma's IPL future
Harbhajan Singh, a former teammate of Sharma at MI and the Indian cricket team, has added fuel to the speculation. He stated, "The IPL auction this year is going to be very exciting." He further added, "It will be interesting to see some big names and what they do," hinting at the uncertainty surrounding Sharma's future with MI.
Delhi Capitals: A potential destination for Sharma?
The speculation about Sharma's future coincides with reports that Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul may also be considering a move away from Lucknow Super Giants. Interestingly, Singh has named Delhi Capitals as a potential new home for Sharma. This suggests that the upcoming IPL season could see significant changes in team line-ups and player affiliations.
IPL 2025: New rules and player retention dynamics
The 2025 season will also introduce further modifications to the Impact Player rule, a topic of debate among players and veterans. Singh expressed his uncertainty about this rule, stating, "I'm not too sure about the impact player rule, I would like to go back to the time when 160 was a winning total." The mega auction for IPL 2025 is expected to take place in December 2024 or February 2025.
Punjab Kings may bid for Sharma in IPL 2025 auction
In related news, Sanjay Bangar, the former batting coach of the Indian cricket team and current head of cricket development at Punjab Kings (PBKS), talked about the potential for PBKS to bid for Sharma. He stated that this would depend on their financial capacity as Sharma is expected to command a high price if he enters the auction. This discussion took place on The Rao Podcast (TRP), hosted by Pritish Rao.
Rohit's stellar IPL career
Sharma has lifted the IPL trophy five times with the Mumbai Indians, and once with the Deccan Chargers. The right-handed batter has featured in 257 IPL matches and has amassed 6,628 runs with an impressive strike rate of 131.14. His highest score is 109*. He also owns two tons and 43 fifties to his name. The 37-year also stands second in the list of most sixes in IPL history with 280 sixes, with Gayle leading the list.