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3 Reasons Why MI Should Replace Rohit Sharma With Virat Kohli If He Enters IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [X]Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [X]

The IPL 2025 is all set to give the fans some major thrills. Even with about six to seven months left before the start of the tournament, the IPL 2025 edition has become a heated point of discussion among fans because of the mega auction that is to take place ahead of the tournament. 

A significant change in dynamics is expected during the mega auction, as the franchises might have to release a significant chunk of their squad and reform it for the upcoming edition. This brings us to a point of discussion involving two of the major superstars of Indian cricket - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. 

Let's consider a hypothetical scenario where the respective franchises release these two superstars. In this situation, with Rohit Sharma no longer in the picture, the Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL champions, might consider acquiring Virat Kohli to fill the void left by the current Indian ODI and Test captain. 

Why would MI consider releasing Rohit Sharma?

  • First, Rohit Sharma was removed from the captaincy last season, and Hardik Pandya was handed over the role ahead of IPL 2024. This was an indication that MI might be thinking ahead of Rohit and want the newer generation to take over. 
  • Rohit Sharma has been a great servant of Indian cricket. Regarding his role as the skipper of MI, there is no doubt about his abilities, as he has led them to five IPL trophies. However, there are a few concerns if he is not captaining and playing only as a batter. As a batter, Rohit has scored 5,458 runs in 208 innings for MI at an average of 29.50 and a strike rate of 131.08. These numbers look pretty average regarding the high standards the batter sets for himself in the international arena. 

How Virat Kohli will be the perfect replacement for Rohit Sharma?

  • Rohit Sharma has mostly opened during his time with Mumbai Indians. If we look at Virat Kohli’s career in the IPL, he started as a middle-order batter but gradually moved up the order and has been opening for RCB for quite a long time. Thus, Virat Kohli will fill the void left at the top by Rohit’s absence. 
  • When it comes to opening in IPL, Virat Kohli has played 113 innings at the position and has scored 4,352 runs in them at an average of 45.81 and a strike rate of 138.38. This speaks of more consistency and dynamism than Rohit Sharma. Virat’s presence at the top order might make the MI batting line-up more stable and flexible. 
  • Rohit Sharma has vast experience and a great game sense, which are nearly irreplaceable. If one person can match Rohit's expertise and cricketing sense, it is Virat Kohli. Replacing Rohit with Kohli will allow the Mumbai Indians to fill the gap that the hypothetical departure of Rohit Sharma will leave.

Conclusion

Both Virat and Rohit have served to their fullest for their respective franchises. There is little chance that MI and RCB will release these superstars and tinker with the legacy and the brand value. This is a hypothetical situation and an analysis based on the question - What If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are released by their franchises?