When asked whether Punjab Kings (PBKS) would target Rohit Sharma in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, Sanjay Bangar, the Head of Cricket Development for PBKS, chose to keep things vague. He didn’t provide a direct answer, instead focusing on the broader auction dynamics and the uncertainty around player retentions.
Rohit Sharma, a cricketing icon, led the Mumbai Indians (MI) to five IPL titles before being replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya ahead of last season. However, the decision to replace Rohit didn’t sit well with many of his fans. Mumbai’s lackluster performance, finishing last on the points table after the round-robin phase, only fueled the discontent.
During several matches, fans expressed their displeasure by booing Hardik, showing their support for Rohit. Adding to the controversy, reports surfaced suggesting a rift in the MI dressing room, with Rohit reportedly unhappy about his abrupt demotion from the captaincy.
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Speculation is now rife that Rohit could be on his way out of the Mumbai franchise, possibly joining another team in the IPL. Among the teams in need of a strong leader, Punjab Kings stands out, as they currently do not have a designated captain. This has led to widespread speculation among cricket fans that PBKS might be an ideal destination for Rohit, the T20 World Cup-winning India captain.
Sanjay Bangar said “If Rohit Sharma comes in the auction, I certainly believe that he is going to go for a high price pic.twitter.com/i4sYz9LSwS
— Rahul kumar sharma (@rktutu16) August 26, 2024
Addressing these rumours, Sanjay Bangar acknowledged that many teams would likely be interested in Rohit if he enters the auction. He pointed out that a player of Rohit’s caliber could command a massive price. However, Bangar emphasized that PBKS would first need to see which players are retained by their respective franchises before making any decisions.
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“We will have to wait and see,” Sanjay Bangar said on *The Rao Podcast*. He reflected on his own experience playing alongside Rohit for Deccan Chargers and noted Rohit’s long-standing association with Mumbai Indians. Bangar added that decisions on targeting players like Rohit would depend on the financial flexibility PBKS has during the auction, as Rohit is expected to fetch a significant price if he becomes available. Ultimately, the direction Punjab Kings take in the auction will depend on the overall player pool and the team’s budget.
