IPL 2024: The controversy relating former Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma and the franchise is far from ending. Even though the tournament has progressed to its second half, the fans and cricket experts are still keeping a close watch on the controversy. In the recent addition to it, former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram believes that Rohit Sharma might not continue with his IPL franchise in the next IPL season, and will likely join other teams.
It all began when Mumbai Indians (MI) dropped a bombshell announcing that Rohit Sharma would no longer lead the side, and it would be all-rounder Hardik Pandya who was made to sit at the helm.
The move didn’t rest well with the fans, and even with the experts, as it looked more desperate one. Although the controversy had already begun with the fans not liking the decision, it actually took a rage when MI played their first game of the season against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad.
MI fans, who were in displeasure, booed Hardik Pandya at the toss and even during the field. The criticism continued, even when Mumbai Indians (MI) played their first home match against Rajasthan Royals. The home fans attacked the franchise with their constant booing at the Wankhede Stadium.
It went to a certain point that some reports emerged that the MI contingent had divided into two factions with one supporting former captain Rohit Sharma and the other being on Hardik Pandya’s side. However, there was substantial proof to support the reports.
To make it worse, MI’s performance hasn’t been up to the mark this season. The five-times IPL champion, under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, has maintained a spot at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table, with just a few wins in 11 matches.
Rohit Sharma to join KKR in next IPL season: Wasim Akram
Meanwhile, amidst all this, Wasim Akram reckons Rohit Sharma will no longer remain glued with Mumbai Indians (MI) and will likely move out of the franchise in the next IPL season. Notably, Akram had previously disapproved MI’s move to dethrone Rohit Sharma from the leadership spot.
“I have a feeling, he [Rohit Sharma] won’t be at Mumbai Indians (MI) next [IPL] season,” Wasim Akram told Sportskeeda recently.
The legendary pacer further added that Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir as a pair would be great to see at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
“I would love to see him at KKR. Imagine him open there, Gauti as a mentor, Iyer as a captain. They will have a very strong batting, at that wicket (Eden Gardens). He bats very well on any wicket, he is that great a player. But it will be good to see him at KKR,” he added.
The next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will have a mega auction. The teams are likely to have at most 5 players retentions from the previous squad while the rest of the players will be at the auction table.