Cricket

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed uncertainty over Rohit Sharma's retention by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, he believes that Rohit's recent T20 World Cup triumph could sway the franchise's decision.Harbhajan, who has won three IPL titles under Rohit's captaincy, believes that the Mumbai Indians will prioritize retaining their core group. He predicts that Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma will be retained alongside Rohit."Mumbai Indians haven't played well in the last two to three years," Harbhajan said. "But they're a champion team, and they'll definitely think of building a team for the future. They'll retain experienced players, and I think Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma will be retained."Harbhajan also suggested Nehal Wadhera as a potential uncapped retention for Mumbai Indians. "He's an uncapped player, so he should be picked," he added.In the IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the table under Pandya's captaincy. They won just four games out of 14 league stage fixtures.Harbhajan's comments highlight the challenges facing Mumbai Indians as they prepare for the IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise will need to make strategic decisions about which players to retain and which to release in order to rebuild a competitive team.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to witness a surge of top Indian cricketers entering the upcoming player auction, thanks to a significant alteration in the retention rules. The deadline for player retention is fast approaching, and the IPL circles are abuzz with frantic activity.The IPL authorities have deviated from the previous practice of reducing the "lesser amount" if a player's retention price exceeds the designated price for the slot. This time around, if the amount is equal to or greater than the designated price, the "higher of the two" amounts will be deducted from the player's purse.For example, in the 2022 auction, the highest price band for a player retention was Rs. 15 crore. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were retained by their respective franchises for Rs. 17 crore and Rs. 16 crore, respectively. However, since the cap for the top player was Rs. 15 crore, only Rs. 15 crore was reduced from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (then Bangalore) and Mumbai Indians' auction kitty.In the upcoming 2025 retention, Sunrisers Hyderabad is likely to retain Heinrich Klaasen (Rs. 23 crore), Pat Cummins (Rs. 18 crore), and Abhishek Sharma (Rs. 14 crore). If this happens, despite the combined designated kitty for the top three retentions being Rs. 43 crore (Rs. 18 crore, Rs. 14 crore, and Rs. 11 crore), Rs. 55 crore will be reduced from the SRH's auction purse of Rs. 120 crore.This rule change, combined with the additional bid offered to the highest bidder while using the Right to Match card, has resulted in Indian cricketers seeking amounts much higher than the anticipated brackets by the franchises. As a result, stars like Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL-winning captain), Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals skipper), Kuldeep Yadav (DC spinner), and Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings) may throw their hat in the auction pool.Contrary to this trend, Mumbai Indians is set to retain four of its top Indian stars – Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. While this will severely hamper its auction purse, the MI management is understood to have arrived at an agreement with the quartet.Punjab Kings may well enter the auction with Rs. 112 crore, the largest purse, since it is likely to retain only two uncapped cricketers. While Shashank Singh is a certainty, either Prabhsimran Singh or Ashutosh Sharma is likely to be retained.

Rohit Sharma's IPL Future Sparks Fan Frenzy at India-New Zealand TestDuring the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, India captain Rohit Sharma found himself at the center of a light-hearted moment that has captured the attention of cricket fans on social media. As Rohit walked off the field, a fan shouted out a question that has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."Bhai, IPL mein kaun sa team?" (Brother, which IPL team?), the fan asked, eager to know Rohit's preferred destination for the upcoming season. Rohit responded with a playful question of his own: "Where do you want?"Without hesitation, the fan replied, "Bhai, RCB mein ajao yaar (Come to RCB, brother)." Rohit, however, did not respond to the plea and continued walking towards the pavilion, leaving the fan's request unanswered.Rohit's current IPL team, Mumbai Indians (MI), has been his home for the past 13 seasons, during which he has led them to five championship titles. However, the fan's plea from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp highlights the intense rivalries and transfer hopes that run deep within the IPL.In the match itself, Rohit bounced back from a disappointing first innings with a solid 52 in India's second innings, providing a strong foundation alongside opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (32). The hosts have staged a remarkable recovery by erasing New Zealand's mammoth 356-run lead, bringing the team back into contention for a victory.Rohit's future with MI remains uncertain, and the fan's plea for him to join RCB has sparked speculation about a potential transfer. While Rohit has been a key figure for MI, the team's recent struggles and the emergence of young talent could lead to a change in strategy.The IPL is known for its unpredictable nature and game-changing transfers, and Rohit's future destination will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Whether he remains with MI or makes a move to another franchise, his presence is sure to have a significant impact on the upcoming season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention list is highly anticipated, especially considering the upcoming mega auction. Among the most intriguing questions is whether Rohit Sharma will remain with the Mumbai Indians (MI), a team he has led to five IPL titles.According to a report by the Indian Express, MI is likely to retain Rohit along with three other star cricketers: Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. This move would ensure the continuity of MI's core leadership group.Rohit Sharma, currently leading the Indian cricket team in the first Test against New Zealand, has been the subject of much speculation regarding his IPL future. Last year, he was replaced as MI captain by Hardik Pandya, sparking rumors of a rift within the team. However, the report suggests that MI remains committed to Rohit's leadership.In a recent incident, a fan approached Rohit Sharma during the Test match and asked him which IPL team he would be playing for. The fan's plea for Rohit to join the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) went viral on social media. Rohit responded with a smile but did not provide a direct answer.Meanwhile, MI has appointed Paras Mhambrey as their bowling coach. Mhambrey, who previously served as India's bowling coach, will work alongside current bowling coach Lasith Malinga under head coach Mahela Jayawardene. This appointment strengthens MI's coaching staff and signals their commitment to improving their bowling performance.

Former India seamer Paras Mhambrey has been appointed as Mumbai Indians' bowling coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Mhambrey, who previously served as MI's assistant coach, will work alongside current bowling coach Lasith Malinga under newly appointed head coach Mahela Jayawardene.Mhambrey brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as India's bowling coach from 2021 to August 2023 under Rahul Dravid. During his tenure, India won the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. He was also part of the MI setup when the team won the IPL in 2013 and the Champions League T20 in 2011 and 2013.In addition to his international and IPL experience, Mhambrey has also coached in Indian domestic cricket. He oversaw the India A team and helped Bengal reach successive Ranji Trophy finals in 2005-06 and 2006-07.As a player, Mhambrey represented India in two Tests and three ODIs between 1996 and 1998. He played for Mumbai in domestic cricket, taking 284 wickets in 91 first-class games and 111 wickets in 83 List A games.Mhambrey's appointment is part of a wider coaching staff overhaul at MI. On Sunday, the franchise announced the return of former Sri Lanka captain Jayawardene as their head coach. The coaching staff's first task will be to finalize Mumbai's retentions ahead of the October 31 deadline.MI finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2024 with just four wins in 14 games under new captain Hardik Pandya. The team will be hoping that the new coaching staff can help them return to their former glory in the upcoming season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is set to take place outside India, with Singapore emerging as a potential venue. The auction, scheduled for late November, was previously held in Dubai but may be moved to Saudi Arabia or Singapore due to cost concerns.Meanwhile, five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians have reappointed Mahela Jayawardene as their head coach. Jayawardene previously held the position from 2017 to 2022, leading the team to three championships. He returns after a brief stint as the franchise's Global Head of Cricket.Jayawardene's first task will be to finalize Mumbai Indians' strategy for the IPL 2025 mega auction. Teams are allowed to retain six players from their existing squad, either five capped (Indian or overseas) and a maximum of two uncapped.The IPL 2025 auction is expected to be a major event, with several top players set to go under the hammer. The auction will also be crucial for Mumbai Indians, who have struggled in recent seasons. Jayawardene's return is seen as a positive step for the franchise, as he has a proven track record of success in the IPL.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction looming, the future of India captain Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians (MI) remains uncertain. Rohit was surprisingly removed as captain by MI last season, with the franchise handing over the leadership duties to Hardik Pandya, who was traded from Gujarat Titans (GT).All 10 IPL teams can retain up to six players ahead of the auction. However, there is no clarity whether MI will retain Rohit, or will the six-time IPL winner enter the auction for the first time in 13 years.According to recent reports, multiple franchises are interested in acquiring Rohit, including the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). During a recent interaction with India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, a fan expressed his excitement over the possibility of having Virat Kohli and Rohit in the same team.Reacting to the fan's wish, Ashwin said that RCB would have to keep at least Rs 20 crore aside for Rohit at the auction table. "Agar Rohit Sharma ke liye aap jaa rahe hai to 20 crore rakhna padega (You need to keep 20 crores with yourself if you want to sign up Rohit Sharma)," Ashwin said during a discussion on his YouTube channel.MI had traded Hardik from GT ahead of IPL 2024. However, the decision to sack Rohit as captain wasn't welcomed by the fans. In the end, MI finished last in the 10-team points table.With as many as 6 players allowed by the BCCI, including Right-To-Match, some tough decisions are expected to unfold in the coming months. It is the discretion of the franchise to choose its combination for Retentions and RTMs. The 6 retention/RTMs can have a maximum of 5 capped players (Indian & Overseas) and a maximum of 2 uncapped players.Rohit, who joined MI ahead of IPL 2011, led the franchise to five IPL titles. His departure would mark a significant change for MI, who have been one of the most successful teams in IPL history.

Mahela Jayawardene Returns as Mumbai Indians Head CoachFormer Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene has been reappointed as the head coach of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Jayawardene previously held the position from 2017 to 2022, leading the team to three IPL titles.After stepping down as head coach, Jayawardene took on the role of Global Head of Cricket for the Mumbai Indians, overseeing the franchise's cricketing operations across all levels. However, he has now returned to the helm of the IPL team, replacing Mark Boucher, who left the position after the 2023 season.Jayawardene expressed his excitement about his return to the Mumbai Indians, saying, "My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution. In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever and we did very well. Now to return, at the same moment in history, where we look ahead at the future and the opportunity to further strengthen the love of MI, build on the vision of the owners, and continue to add to the history of Mumbai Indians, is an exciting challenge I am looking forward to."Jayawardene's return to the Mumbai Indians is expected to bring stability and experience to the franchise. He is known for his astute tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players. Under his leadership, the Mumbai Indians have consistently been one of the most successful teams in the IPL, winning the title in 2017, 2019, and 2020.The Mumbai Indians will be hoping that Jayawardene can help them regain their dominance in the IPL. The team has struggled in recent seasons, failing to qualify for the playoffs in the last two editions. Jayawardene's experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the Mumbai Indians back to the top of the IPL standings.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction is fast approaching, and the future of Mumbai Indians (MI) legend Rohit Sharma with the franchise remains uncertain. With the BCCI allowing teams to retain up to six players, including Right-To-Match (RTM), tough decisions lie ahead for MI.Rohit's retention status is unclear, with speculation rife that the six-time IPL winner could enter the upcoming mega auction. Last season, MI sacked Rohit as captain, appointing Hardik Pandya in his place. The decision to remove Rohit as captain was met with criticism from fans, and MI ultimately finished last in the 10-team points table.Amid the ongoing discussions, former India and MI spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the possibility of Rohit entering the IPL auction. Harbhajan believes it would be "fascinating" to see how many teams bid for Rohit if he does enter the auction."It will be interesting to see whether he will be retained or not. If he goes into the auction pool, it will be fascinating to see which team bids for him. I'm sure many teams must be thinking along those lines," Harbhajan said.Harbhajan also praised Rohit's leadership qualities and batting prowess, emphasizing that the 37-year-old can still command a lucrative contract if he enters the auction."Rohit Sharma, as a leader and a player, is amazing. He's a top-quality player, top-quality captain, and leader. He's a proven match-winner. Even at 37, he still has a lot of cricket left in him. If Rohit enters the auction, he will fetch big bucks. It will be exciting to see the auction unfold," he added.IPL franchises can now retain six players from their existing squad, either through retention or RTM. The combination of retentions and RTMs can include a maximum of five capped players (Indian and overseas) and two uncapped players.