IPL 2024 Trade Window: Can Rohit Sharma Still Move From Mumbai Indians To Different Team?

Rohit Sharma's IPL future has been the talk of the town since the five-time champions Mumbai Indians named Hardik Pandya as the captain of the team ahead of the IPL 2024.

Mumbai Indians, who traded in Hardik from Gujarat Titans on the retention deadline day, announced the star India all-rounder as the captain of the team on Friday (December 15), earning a lot of backlash from fans for the manner of the announcement.

It is believed that MI assured Hardik of the captaincy role when they were in talks with the all-rounder for a potential trade earlier this year. But some reports suggested that Hardik will takeover the role next year.

However, following the successful trade that also saw MI trade Australian all-rounder Cameron Green to RCB, the franchise made an early decision on the captaincy by making their announcement last week.

When there was talk of Hardik moving back to MI, there were rumours of Rohit going the other way to lead Gujarat Titans. But the five-time title winning skipper was retained by Mumbai Indians.

Now fans feel Rohit has been insulted and should no longer play for the Mumbai-based franchise. There are also rumours of Rohit possibly being targetted by several other franchises.

According to a report from Sports Today, Delhi Capitals had approached Mumbai Indians to trade in Rohit Sharma as the franchise wanted a seasoned captain to lead their side with their skipper Rishabh Pant, who is returning from a serious injury, only expected to play as an impact player.

However, MI declined the offer, meaning Rohit will play under Hardik in the upcoming season. Any move may have to wait until IPL 2025. But can any team still trade in Rohit for the IPL 2024 season?

Can Rohit Sharma play for a different team in IPL 2024?

With the trade window reopening on December 20, there is still a good chance for Rohit to be traded to a different team as the trade window allows teams to transfer players who were retained before the IPL 2024 auction.

But MI may be reluctant to do any deal for a player of Rohit's stature as it would only weaken their side and the franchise's reputation. Also with the teams likely to use their remaining purse in the auction, the likelihood of the trade happening is very slim.

Rohit Sharma was retained by MI for Rs 16 Crore ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. So, if any team wants to trade in the Indian skipper will need to have a remaining purse of Rs 16 Crore plus to execute the trade. This looks very unlikely as teams need to fill in other slots, which will impact their purse.

Plus, recent reports also suggest that Rohit has agreed to play under Hardik this season, meaning any move from Mumbai Indians for the most successful capatain of the franchise will need to wait until next season.