IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians deny rumours of Rohit Sharma trade among others

Rohit Sharma Mumbai Indians. (Photo Source: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)

With the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) looming on the horizon, there have been many trades and star players joining different franchises ahead of the latest edition of the marquee tournament.

Ahead of the auction of the tournament, there were several rumours of many franchises approaching five-time champion Mumbai Indians for a trade of their former skipper Rohit Sharma. Recently, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was announced as the new skipper of Mumbai Indians, replacing Rohit. However, one of the senior officials of the five-time champions came forward to assert that the veteran opener was not going anywhere. They opined that the reports and rumours of a possible trade involving Rohit are all false and not believable.

“The news reports are totally fake and false. No MI player will be leaving us nor will be traded by us, every player was taken into confidence before the decision was made. Rohit too was informed, and he is very much part of the decision-making process,” the MI official told Cricbuzz.

Franchises showing interest in availing Rohit Sharma’s services have backed out from any deal

There had been reports that several MI players were unhappy with Rohit Sharma being removed from the captaincy and were looking to be traded out. The trade window will open from Wednesday, December 20, and will be open until 30 days before the league commences. The likes of Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals were reported to be interested in securing Rohit’s services.

However one of the above-mentioned franchises did approach MI for a trade involving Rohit Sharma. However, the five-time champions rejected every offer that came their way. The same was confirmed by the interested franchise but also ruled out that they are not interested in dealing ahead anymore.

“We would have given anything for Rohit, but we are no longer in the race,” the official from the franchise was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Leading the side to five IPL titles ever since taking over the captaincy in 2013, Rohit Sharma has left behind quite the legacy as he finally will not be Mumbai’s skipper in 2024 with Hardik Pandya taking the reins from the legendary skipper.