Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has advised Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to take the opportunity to sign Rohit Sharma if he becomes available in the IPL 2025 auction.
Kaif emphasized that Rohit, with his proven leadership skills, could help RCB finally secure their elusive IPL title. He pointed out that although Rohit’s individual batting performance might not always be dominant, his ability to build a strong team and lead under pressure makes him an ideal captain for RCB, a team that has long struggled to win the tournament despite having top players like Virat Kohli.
Kaif said, “RCB should take this chance. Somehow convince Rohit and make him the captain. He might not score that much as a batter, he scores forties and fifties, but I believe Rohit knows how to build a playing eleven very well.”.
He also said that Rohit should play the IPL as a captain only, since he has a fine track-record as a leader, which includes this year’s ICC T20 World Cup that ended Indian team’s 11-year major ICC trophy drought.
“Rohit Sharma should play as a captain only in the IPL because he is such a great captain. He has come after winning the T20 World Cup. He would have offers. We know people would have been calling him and asking him to play for them. I feel he should take the role of a captain only, whichever franchise is offering it,” he said.
Kaif made this statement in light of speculation surrounding Rohit’s future with Mumbai Indians (MI). Last season, MI made the controversial decision to bring back Hardik Pandya as captain after his stint with Gujarat Titans. The move did not sit well with fans, and MI finished last in the 2024 season, further fueling rumors about potential changes in the squad, including Rohit’s role.
Rohit is the third-highest run-scorer in IPL history and a five-time title-winning captain. Kaif also suggested that Rohit should only play as a captain in the IPL due to his recent triumph leading India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup.
