Rohit Sharma leaving Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2025? Aakash Chopra gives an update

Rohit Sharma's future with the Mumbai Indians appears uncertain as speculation grows about his potential departure from the franchise before the IPL 2025 season. Despite being seen at Anant Ambani’s wedding, who is the owner of Mumbai Indians, recent reports suggest that Sharma might be set to leave the team. Although no official confirmation has been provided, former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes there is substantial merit to these reports. Chopra, a respected voice in cricket, has expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma will part ways with Mumbai Indians ahead of the upcoming season. Under Sharma's leadership, the franchise achieved considerable success, clinching five IPL titles. However, ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Sharma was removed from the captaincy, with Hardik Pandya taking over the role.

This decision led to significant issues within the team, affecting morale and performance. Senior players, including Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, were reportedly dissatisfied with the change, and the resulting unrest impacted the team’s campaign. Mumbai Indians ended the season at the bottom of the table, reflecting the disruption caused by the leadership shift.

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Sharma's role with Mumbai Indians continues to generate considerable interest and speculation. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how these developments unfold and what impact they may have on both Sharma’s career and the franchise's future. Aakash Chopra has suggested that the Mumbai Indians might consider allowing Rohit Sharma to leave the franchise, partly due to his age and the prospect of his playing career being relatively short. Chopra speculates that Sharma may not have more than three years left in professional cricket, which could influence the franchise’s decision regarding his future with the team. This potential departure is seen as a strategic move, aligning with the franchise’s long-term planning and player management strategies.

In contrast, Chopra emphasized that a similar situation is unlikely to occur with MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni’s relationship with the franchise is portrayed as uniquely strong and enduring. His leadership and legacy with the team are deeply ingrained, making it improbable that Chennai Super Kings would consider parting ways with him under comparable circumstances. Dhoni’s status with the team is not just about his current playing abilities but also about his significant impact on the franchise's culture and success over the years.

Chopra’s insights underline the differing dynamics between the two iconic cricketers and their respective franchises. While Sharma’s potential exit from Mumbai Indians may be driven by practical considerations related to his career span, Dhoni’s enduring relationship with Chennai Super Kings reflects a different level of commitment and mutual respect.

“Will he stay or will he go? It's a big question. Personally, I feel he will not stay. Whoever is retained will be with the thinking that he will remain with you for three years, unless your name is MS Dhoni. MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings' story is very different but Rohit Sharma at MI, I feel he might himself leave or MI might leave him,” former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“Anything can happen, but I don't think Rohit is going to be retained here. I don't have any information, but I feel Rohit will probably be released. He might go to someone in the trade window, that's a possibility that he doesn't go to the auction, but if that doesn't happen, he might be seen in the auction. I feel his journey with the Mumbai Indians is over,” he added.