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"MI should hold Rohit Sharma...": Suresh Raina gives honest verdict ahead of IPL retention

Sakshi Sharma

Rohit Sharma with Mumbai Indians (Source: AFP)Rohit Sharma with Mumbai Indians (Source: AFP)

With the IPL 2026 retention deadline approaching, speculation about Rohit Sharma's future with the Mumbai Indians (MI) is also around the corner. Earlier there were reports that the five-time IPL-winning captain might be released by the franchise before the mini-auction. However, MI shut down those rumours with a social media post putting an end to the speculations.

But the now the next question is, does it make sense to retain the 38-year-old veteran in the long run? Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Suresh Raina has shared his strong opinion on the matter.

Suresh Raina on Rohit Sharma's future with MI

Speaking on Star Sports, Suresh Raina made it clear that Mumbai Indians should not let go Rohit Sharma. He also added that while MI might be looking to build for the future, players like Rohit are difficult to replace.

"They should hold him (Rohit Sharma); he has won a lot of trophies for them. Deepak Chahar is just in - it depends on what options they have, so they can either release him or retain him, but they might not get players at the auction. So I think they should retain him. They should retain him (Trent Boult); he is a gun player. The advantage that he has as a left-arm bowler - they should retain him," Raina told Star Sports.

Raina also gave his thoughts on other possible retention choices for Mumbai Indians. He feels MI should retain Trent Boult. On Deepak Chahar, Raina said the decision depends on MI’s auction strategy. 

However, Raina predicted that MI could release Will Jacks, he also suggested that the team might look for other options in the upcoming mini-auction.

Rohit Sharma’s legacy with MI

It is important to note that Rohit Sharma has been with the Mumbai Indians since 2011 and took over the captaincy in 2013. Under his leadership, MI won five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020). Even after being replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya, Rohit remained an integral part of the squad. In IPL 2025, he scored 418 runs in 15 matches at an average of 29.85 and a strike rate of 149.28.