As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), find themselves at a critical juncture. After a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, where they failed to secure a playoff spot and finished at the bottom of the points table, MI faces crucial decisions ahead of the upcoming mega auction. Amid discussions about squad changes, one key question looms: Should they retain their long-time stalwart, Rohit Sharma?

3 reasons why Rohit Sharma deserves to be retained by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025:

1. Unmatched leadership experience

Although Rohit no longer holds the captaincy at Mumbai Indians, his leadership credentials remain unrivaled. Having captained MI to five IPL titles, Rohit’s tactical acumen and ability to guide the team during crucial moments cannot be overlooked. His leadership led MI to dominance in the IPL, putting them on par with Chennai Super Kings as the most successful franchise in the tournament’s history.

Even in a non-captaincy role, Rohit’s presence brings immense value. His on-field decision-making, strategic insights, and ability to mentor younger players make him a vital part of MI’s leadership core. Retaining Rohit would ensure that Mumbai continues to benefit from his wealth of experience and championship mindset.

2. Brilliant current form

Rohit’s recent form has been nothing short of extraordinary. His performance in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was a testament to his prowess, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer. Additionally, he shone in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, further proving that his skills with the bat are as sharp as ever.

Despite a tough IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians, Rohit’s individual form remains one of the brightest spots for the team. His ability to deliver under pressure and his consistency in recent international fixtures make him a crucial asset for MI. With IPL 2025 promising to be highly competitive, retaining a player of Rohit’s caliber would give Mumbai a proven match-winner in their lineup.

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3. Impressive IPL statistics

Rohit’s record in the IPL speaks for itself. With 6,628 runs in 257 matches, he is the third-highest run-scorer in IPL history, trailing only behind Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. With Dhawan having retired from competitive cricket, Rohit now has a prime opportunity to surpass him and claim the second spot in the all-time IPL run-scorers list.

Beyond just numbers, Rohit’s consistency over the years makes him one of the most reliable batsmen in the league. His experience in dealing with different conditions and bowlers across various IPL seasons is a unique advantage that MI cannot afford to lose. Retaining Rohit would not only maintain Mumbai’s batting depth but also ensure they have one of the most prolific IPL performers in their ranks.

Rohit a vital asset for MI’s future

As Mumbai Indians prepare to reshape their squad in the IPL 2025 mega auction, retaining Rohit should be a no-brainer. His leadership experience, coupled with his current form and historical success in the IPL, make him an invaluable player for the franchise. Rohit’s presence would provide the much-needed balance of experience and performance as MI aims to bounce back from their disappointing 2024 season.

For a franchise with such a rich history, ensuring Rohit remains part of their future is key to continuing their legacy of success in the IPL.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts Rohit Sharma’s future with Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2025

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