Star Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed confidence that Rohit Sharma, the legendary opener, will continue to play for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Despite the recent change in leadership, with Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit as captain, Ashwin believes that Rohit remains committed to the franchise.
Addressing fans on his YouTube channel, Ashwin shared his perspective on Rohit’s future with MI: “Even if you think like Rohit, it’s not wrong at all. I don’t want any headache. I have been a captain for India. I have captained Mumbai many times. Even if I am not a captain, I am going to Mumbai happily. If I play for Mumbai, it’s super. I am sure most players are like that. After a stage, money doesn’t matter for some of those players. That’s the thing.”
Rohit Sharma had a solid performance in the IPL 2024 season, amassing 417 runs at an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150. His season highlights included a century and a fifty, with his top score being an unbeaten 105*.
Rohit’s contributions to Mumbai Indians are legendary. Since joining the franchise in 2011, Rohit has played 199 matches, scoring 5,084 runs at an average of 29.39 and a strike rate of 129.86. His tally includes one century and 34 fifties, with his highest score being 109*.
Taking over the captaincy from Ricky Ponting in 2013, Rohit led MI through a golden era, guiding the team to five IPL titles in 10 years (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020) and securing two Champions League T20 titles in 2011 and 2013. Under his leadership, MI became one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.
Last year, Hardik Pandya took over as captain after making a significant impact with the Gujarat Titans, leading them to an IPL title in their debut season in 2022. Despite the change, Ashwin believes Rohit’s loyalty to MI remains strong.
Rohit Sharma’s impact on the IPL extends beyond Mumbai Indians. He also played for the now-defunct Deccan Chargers from 2008-2010, where he scored 1,170 runs in 45 matches and helped the franchise win the IPL title in 2009. Overall, Rohit is the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, with 6,254 runs in 244 matches, including a century and 42 fifties.
As IPL 2025 approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Rohit continues to shine in the Blue and Gold of Mumbai Indians, a franchise he has helped turn into a powerhouse.
