Team India captain Rohit Sharma is enjoying his best time in international cricket nowadays as the veteran has become the only India captain to win two consecutive ICC tournaments after guiding the Men in Blue to their third Champions Trophy title victory in Dubai on March 9. After adding notable success to his profile, he will strive to be scintillating with his bat for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
During these cheerful times, Rohit’s fans might be concerned as their star player hasn’t performed upto the mark in the last few IPL editions. If Rohit fails to deliver solid batting numbers to MI this season, it might mark his last appearance in the illustrious T20 league. In this article, SportsTiger has come up with five reasons why the upcoming IPL 2025 can be the final season in the league for Rohit Sharma.
5 Reasons why IPL 2025 could be last season for Rohit Sharma
5. Change in MI’s leadership
In 2024, Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit as MI skipper and holding the reins of the side, India all-rounder failed miserably. Following MI’s horrendous 2024 campaign, the news of rift between two stalwarts was making rounds. Under Pandya’s captaincy, Rohit will have to be disciplined in the upcoming competition as the 31-year-old will be under immense pressure to deliver effective results to his team as skipper. In case Rohit isn't quite at his best, Pandya may also feel bound to take the stern decision of dropping the veteran opener from the playing XI after the tough 2024 season.
4. Ordinary IPL batting record as per his stature
Rohit Sharma has been playing in IPL since 2008, but his record as batter isn't as formidable as per his reputation. Appearing in 257 games, he has scored 6628 runs at a strike rate of 131.14 and an average of 29.72.
3. Absence from T20 cricket
Following the T20 World Cup 2024 success in June 2024, Rohit hung his boots from the shortest form of the game. With his retirement from T20 Internationals (T20I), the veteran doesn’t get to play T20 cricket consistently and it can affect his technique. Noting this fact, MI might not include him in their future plans.
2. Age factor
Rohit Sharma is now 37 years of age and this fact can go against him after this competition. MI, who have won IPL five times, are known for pondering about the future of senior players, and they will eventually look to induct youngsters who can deliver desired results to them in the upcoming years. Former MI captain has not been able to support the team in the last few seasons to the best of his abilities, and if his difficult time continues this year, Mumbai might not shy away from getting a new name who can be efficient in the opening role.
1. Miserable IPL form since 2021
Rohit Sharma has looked out of rhythm for MI since 2021. In the last four seasons, he has produced only four half-centuries from his bat. This year, he will have to come heavily on bowlers to justify his role in the side otherwise it might be the last straw as far as the team management keeping him in the squad is concerened.
