Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has proposed that Rohit Sharma should focus solely on the captaincy in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, suggesting a significant change in his career path. According to Kaif, Rohit should part ways with Mumbai Indians (MI) and consider taking up the captaincy role at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
As the IPL 2025 season nears, discussions around player retentions and auctions are heating up. All 10 franchises have the opportunity to retain their core players, though some unexpected names may enter the mega auction, which is anticipated to take place later this year, possibly overseas.
Rohit Sharma’s future with Mumbai Indians remains uncertain after he was replaced by Hardik Pandya as captain for the 2024 season—a decision that led to one of MI’s worst performances in their IPL history. Speculation is growing that Rohit may have already played his last game for MI.
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Speaking with *Star Sports*, Kaif urged RCB to seize this moment and acquire Rohit, appointing him as their captain. Kaif believes that Rohit has only 2-3 years left in his IPL career and should spend those years leading a team, rather than playing as a regular member.
“Rohit Sharma should only play as a captain. He is such a big player and recently led India to a T20 World Cup win. He will surely have offers. I know people must have been calling him with offers,” said Mohammad Kaif.
Kaif further emphasized that Rohit’s leadership skills are unparalleled, and his experience could be instrumental in helping a franchise like RCB, which has been in search of their first IPL title since the league’s inception. “Rohit knows very well how to form an XI, so RCB will have the advantage if he is picked. Their trophy drought could finally end,” Mohammad Kaif added.
RCB, who have relied on Virat Kohli for leadership over the years, have yet to win an IPL title. Although Faf du Plessis has led the team for the last three seasons, RCB is reportedly seeking an Indian leader for the upcoming season. KL Rahul, whose future at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is uncertain, is also a contender for the role.
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Additionally, there are rumours that RCB may approach Kohli to return as captain, but Kaif insists Rohit could be the game-changer RCB needs. Kaif’s call for Rohit to move to RCB comes at a time when both players and franchises are rethinking strategies ahead of the mega auction, making it a pivotal moment in IPL history.
