Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has suggested that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) should consider acquiring Rohit Sharma as their captain ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. Kaif’s proposal stems from the recent announcement of IPL’s retention and auction rules, as well as rumors surrounding Rohit’s future with Mumbai Indians (MI).
Rohit, the current Indian skipper, has led MI to five IPL titles. However, MI’s disappointing performance in the 2024 season, where they finished last with only four wins, has raised questions about his future with the franchise.
Kaif believes that RCB, despite boasting star players like Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, has never won an IPL trophy due to a lack of effective leadership. He argues that Rohit’s exceptional captaincy skills, evident in his recent ICC T20 World Cup victory, could transform RCB’s fortunes.
“RCB should take this chance. Somehow convince Rohit and make him the captain. He might not score that much as a batter, he scores forties and fifties, but I believe Rohit knows how to build a playing eleven very well,” Kaif said.
Kaif emphasized that Rohit should focus solely on captaincy in the IPL, given his proven track record as a leader. “Rohit Sharma should play as a captain only in the IPL because he is such a great captain. He has come after winning the T20 World Cup. He would have offers. We know people would have been calling him and asking him to play for them. I feel he should take the role of a captain only, whichever franchise is offering it,” he said.
Rohit’s impressive IPL record, with 6,628 runs at an average of 29.72 and a strike rate of 131.14, further supports Kaif’s suggestion. His ability to build a cohesive team and inspire players to perform at their best could be the key to RCB’s long-awaited IPL triumph.
