Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian team in ODIs as well as Tests, is likely to leave the Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. As per several media reports, the former MI skipper will leave the franchise, speculating a move to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the forthcoming seasons of the cash-rich league.
It is to be noted that Rohit Sharma has been the most successful captain for the Mumbai-based franchise, leading the side to five IPL trophies. Despite a brilliant record at helm, the 35-year-old was sacked from captaincy before the previous edition and replaced by Hardik Pandya. But ahead of the 2025 edition, in a big update which is making rounds on social media, Sharma has reportedly made up his mind and is unlikely to continue with MI, where he spent 13 years of his IPL career.
Rohit Sharma to join LSG ahead of IPL 2025: Reports
Sources as reported by MyKhel have cited that there remains a strong possibility of the 35-year-old leaving the five-time champions and joining Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, former India cricketer, Zaheer Khan’s move to LSG can also be one of the key reasons of Rohit Sharma’s move to LSG. Furthermore, the report adds that Hardik Pandya is set to continue as the captain of the side with Suryakumar Yadav also being an integral part of the franchise.
Moreover, these reports are making rounds after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rolled out the Player Regulations for 2025-27. As per the decision by the IPL General Council, IPL franchises can retain a total of six players from their existing squad. This can either be via retention or by using the Right to Match (RTM) option, which has been re-introduced.
Rohit Sharma’s IPL career at Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma made his IPL debut in the inception year of the franchise in 2008, when he was signed by the Hyderabad-based franchise, Deccan Chargers. Later in 2011, he was sold to Mumbai Indians for US $2 million. Under Sharma’s leadership, Mumbai Indians went on to become the joint most successful IPL franchise by winning titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Not only this, but Sharma also led MI to win the former Champions League Twenty20 in 2013.
The Nagpur-born cricketer has been one of the most successful players in the IPL as captain since 2013 of the Mumbai Indians. Not only this, but Sharma is one of the seven players who have scored 5,000 career runs in the tournament. In 2024, Sharma was sacked as the captain and was replaced by Hardik Pandya, which created massive controversy among fans.