Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are in a huddle finalising their retentions ahead of the 2025 mega auction and all eyes are on Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma was removed as captain last season as the IPL giants gave the captaincy arm band to Hardik Pandya, who was transferred from Gujarat Titans to MI. There is no dearth of star power in that MI camp and they now need to take the retention calls before heading to the auction table.
What if Rohit isn’t retained?
His former India and MI teammate Harbhajan Singh feels the belligerent opener will trigger a bidding war and fetch big bucks if he goes into the auction pool.
“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,” said Harbhajan on sidelines of an event in Delhi.
“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,” the veteran spinner added.
On Rohit the person off the field, Harbhajan was all praise for his “yaaro ka yaar”.
“Rohit toh yaaro ka yaar hai. Apna bhai hai. I’m happy India won the World Cup under him. It’s always great to see him smiling. He respects his elders, and that’s one of his best qualities,” said Harbhajan.
‘INDIA SHOULDN’T TRAVEL TO PAKISTAN’
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently expressed confidence that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy would be held in Pakistan, with all teams, including arch-rivals India, participating.
The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19, with the final scheduled for March 9. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been chosen as the venues. India has not sent a cricket team to Pakistan since July 2008 due to tense political relations between the two countries.
“The Indian team should come. I don’t see them canceling or postponing their trip here, and we are confident we will host all teams. The stadiums will be ready to host the matches, and any remaining work will be completed before the tournament,” Naqvi had said.
Harbhajan, however, said India players shouldn’t travel to Pakistan.
“There are significant safety concerns in Pakistan. I’ve always said, and I still believe, that if there’s no guarantee of safety, our players shouldn’t travel to Pakistan,” said Harbhajan during a Legends League Cricket event.
Harbhajan also praised Jay Shah for his role in elevating Indian cricket. Shah, currently serving as Secretary of the BCCI and President of the Asian Cricket Council, will take over as Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1.
“Having an Indian representative at the ICC level, especially as the chairman, is a huge achievement. I’m really happy for him and wish him all the success. Under Jay Shah’s leadership, there have been many changes in Team India. Women’s cricket, in particular, has received a financial boost thanks to his efforts,” Harbhajan added.
