IPL 2025: MI's 5th Retention; If Rohit Sharma Is Released Or Gets Himself Traded

Rohit Sharma for MI [iplt20.com]Rohit Sharma for MI [iplt20.com]

The IPL 2025 is already creating a buzz among Indian cricket fans because of the mega-auction scheduled ahead of the tournament. All the teams will have to release the majority of the players from their current squad and then reform their squad during the mega auction. There are reports that BCCI will allow five retentions to the franchises without any RTMs.

Mumbai Indians, who have always believed in maintaining a strong core, were one of the franchises that wanted the five or six retention policies. If the reports are confirmed, they will be happy that they will get to maintain their core. One of the most important parts of their core has been their ex-captain, Rohit Sharma. The current Indian ODI and Test skipper has been at the franchise's helm when they lifted the trophy five times. 

Why Rohit Sharma might be released or get himself traded?

Even though Rohit Sharma has been a great servant for the Mumbai Indians, the developments in IPL 2024 might have strained his relationship with the franchise. The MI management decided to remove Rohit from the captaincy role of the team, draft Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans, and hand him the responsibilities. 

Thus, before IPL 2025, Rohit Sharma might be traded to another franchise. There are also reports that he is in talks with a couple of franchises to get himself traded. 

Who will be the fifth retention of Mumbai Indians?

If Mumbai Indians release Rohit or he gets himself traded to another team, then these are the three players who could be the fifth retention of the Mumbai Indians - 

3. Akash Madhwal

The young Indian pacer saw his rise in IPL 2023. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal played the role of their prime pacer to perfection. Madhwal has so far played 13 matches for MI and has picked up 19 wickets while giving away runs at the rate of 9.71 per over. Akash Madhwal is a prospect for the future of MI, and hence, they might look to retain him if Rohit Sharma leaves. 

2. Dewald Brevis

The South African youngster promised a lot during his under-19 days. However, Dewald Brevis has not delivered as expected at the senior level. But lately, it seems like he is gradually realising his potential. The fact that Dewald Brevis is just 21 years old makes him a strong candidate to be an integral part of the franchise's future core. Therefore, Brevis could be MI's fifth retention if Rohit Sharma is no longer part of their set-up. 

1. Ishan Kishan

The Mumbai Indians bought the Indian wicketkeeper batter for INR 15.25 Cr during the IPL 2022 auction. Retaining Ishan Kishan, along with Rohit, Bumrah, Surya, and Hardik, might prove too costly for the franchise. However, if Rohit Sharma goes out of the equation, then Ishan Kishan could be one of MI's retentions ahead of IPL 2025.