With the Indian Premier League (IPL) Player Regulations for 2025-27 announced, franchises are gearing up to make crucial decisions regarding player retention. Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has urged Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to seize the opportunity to acquire Rohit Sharma as their captain if the chance arises.
Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, was replaced by Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2024 season. However, the move proved unsuccessful as MI failed to qualify for the playoffs. Kaif believes that Rohit’s leadership skills could be the key to ending RCB’s title drought.
“Rohit Sharma turns a player from an 18 to a 20,” Kaif said in a video circulating on social media. “He knows how to get the best out of a player by putting an arm around him.”
Kaif highlighted Rohit’s tactical acumen and ability to identify the right players for specific roles in the team. “He understands the tactical moves, knows which player to fit where in the playing eleven,” Kaif added.
According to the IPL Player Regulations, franchises can retain a maximum of six players, including five capped players and two uncapped players. RCB currently has Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Wanindu Hasaranga as their retained players.
Kohli, who has been with RCB since the league’s inception, has been the team’s top scorer in recent seasons. However, he has yet to lead the franchise to an IPL title. Kaif believes that Rohit’s experience and leadership qualities could make a significant difference for RCB.
“If RCB gets a chance, they should definitely take Rohit Sharma as captain,” Kaif concluded.
