The Mumbai Indians (MI) are ending a challenging season with their final game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Wankhede Stadium on Friday, May 17. With only four wins in 14 games, MI finds itself at the bottom of the table, a stark contrast to their usual dominance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As if the poor performance wasn’t enough, speculation is rife that this could be Rohit Sharma’s last season with the franchise.

Rohit Sharma’s Journey with Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma joined the Mumbai Indians in 2011 and quickly became the face of the franchise. Taking over as captain in 2013, he led MI to their first IPL title. Under his leadership, MI won five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the league’s history. His impact on the franchise is immeasurable as a player and leader.

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Rohit Sharma began his IPL journey with the Deccan Chargers, winning the IPL in 2009. He moved to Mumbai Indians in 2011, and his leadership from 2013 onwards brought unprecedented success to the franchise. With five IPL titles under his belt, Rohit stands alongside MS Dhoni as one of the most decorated captains in IPL history.

The 2024 Season: A Challenging Year

The 2024 season has been particularly tough for MI. The team struggled to find form and consistency, leading to a disappointing performance throughout the tournament. A significant change came when Hardik Pandya was named captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. Despite the change in leadership, the team’s fortunes did not improve.

Speculations about Rohit Sharma Leaving MI

Rumours about Rohit Sharma leaving MI gained traction after a video showed a conversation between Rohit and KKR coaching staff member Abhishek Nayar. Although the crowd noise made it hard to hear, Rohit seemed to hint at his departure. KKR quickly deleted the video, but it had already sparked widespread speculation.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore downplayed the incident, stating that the conversation was out of context. However, the timing of the video, combined with MI’s poor season, has led many to believe that Rohit might be considering a new chapter in his career.

The Final Match at Wankhede Stadium

The match against LSG is not just another game; it’s potentially Rohit Sharma’s last appearance in MI colours. Fans eagerly anticipate his performance, hoping for one final masterclass from their beloved captain. Rohit’s innings of 68 runs off 38 balls, including ten boundaries and three sixes, was a testament to his enduring talent and fighting spirit.

If this truly is Rohit Sharma’s last season with MI, it marks the end of an era. His contributions have given fans countless memories and moments to cherish. From his match-winning performances to calm leadership, Rohit’s presence will be sorely missed by MI supporters.

Rohit Sharma’s Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Rohit Sharma’s future in the IPL is uncertain. With the mega auction on the horizon, he might put his name in the pool, seeking a fresh start with a new franchise. His immediate focus, however, is the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. As the Indian skipper, he will be among the first players to leave for the USA, where India’s campaign begins on June 5.

Rohit Sharma IPL Captaincy Record

Matches as Captain: 158

Won: 87

Lost: 67

Tied: 4

No Result: 0

Winning Percentage: 55.06%

Rohit Sharma Stats as Captain in IPL

Matches: 158

Runs: 3986

Highest Score: 98 not out off 65 balls vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015

Hundreds: 0

Fifties: 25

Ducks: 11

Sixes: 157

Fours: 372

Catches: 55

Rohit Sharma Overall Stats in IPL

Matches: 257

Runs: 6628

Highest Score: 109*

Hundreds: 2

Fifties: 43

Sixes: 280

Fours: 599 Catches: 101