Jonty Rhodes, the fielding coach for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), opened up on the rumours surrounding India captain Rohit Sharma’s potential move away from Mumbai Indians before the upcoming IPL 2025 season as well. As the mega auction happens, speculation continues on Rohit’s future in the IPL, with many suggesting that he might part ways with Mumbai Indians after years of successful stints. Having worked closely with Rohit at Mumbai Indians, Rhodes opined on his exceptional skills and on-field elegance.

“I mean, for a long time at Mumbai Indians, I felt I had the best job in the world. I got to watch Rohit Sharma practice and play cricket. He is so elegant,” Rhodes told ANI. “I mean, there’s the balance of teams, who’s in the side. I love watching Rohit Sharma bat, but I’m not saying he must come in and replace, and then suddenly we change our setup. So whatever, as I said, whatever happens, whosoever is there, I’ll be doing my best to support,” he added.

ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya shares happiness after winning back the love of fans

“Rohit Sharma has experience, he has won titles. He will be welcome in any team that he walks into. We have a setup, I’m not privy to the decision-making that goes around owners and captains. That’s the head coach and the mentor’s role. From that point of view, wherever Rohit goes, if he goes, anybody will be happy to have him,” said Rhodes. “He’s a good man. Having worked with him at MI, he brings real value in his captaincy and batting, and has a down-to-earth attitude which is so important in high pressure-cooker situations like the IPL is for 10 weeks.”

However, the uncertainty surrounding LSG’s current captain, KL Rahul, has also become a topic of discussion. There were speculations that Rahul may not be retained by the franchise, following a reported rebuke from franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka after a defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The owner, meanwhile, said that Rahul is a part of LSG’s ‘family’ as well. However, Goenka was also earlier asked about the possibility of picking Rohit Sharma at the auction as well.

ALSO READ: “Shubman’s captaincy is very good” – Ravi Bishnoi on Shubman Gill

“Do you even know if Rohit Sharma is entering the auction? This is all unnecessary. It all depends on whether Mumbai Indians release Rohit Sharma or not. And even if Rohit comes to auction… if you put 50 per cent of your purse on one player, how will you buy other play?” Goenka said.