Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson suggested that Rohit Sharma might be playing his final game for Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday, May 17.
Watson hinted that this match could potentially be Rohit's swansong in the Mumbai Indians colours.
Speaking to Jio Cinema, Watson mentioned the unpredictability surrounding Rohit's continued association with the five-time champions after IPL 2024.
"This could be Rohit Sharma's last game for Mumbai Indians. You never know how exactly are going to things play out after this season but what an incredible player he has been and a leader for the Mumbai Indians. To have so much success with the franchise and him being so entrenched in the Mumbai Indians family," Watson said.
"The fans obviously adore him. Whether the Mumbai Indians fans, but also the fans across the world. There is no question that it is going to be up in the air whether he stays with the Mumbai Indians after this season. And how things work out for him to not leave Mumbai Indians."
Watson also believed it was not the right decision for the Mumbai Indians franchise to replace Rohit with Hardik as the team captain. He wanted Rohit to finish his tenure on a high note for the franchise, in case he plans to leave.
"But for me personally, I think that was the wrong call. Because he is such a well-respected leader. It just shook-up the team, knowing that they could move on next season potentially and have Hardik Pandya to as captain. This could be his swansong for the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. So, I am sure that he is going to go out on a great note," Watson said.
In a significant decision, Hardik was traded back to the Mumbai Indians from the Gujarat Titans and was appointed as the captain of the five-time champions ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. The move did not sit well with a certain section of fans.
- Rohit Sharma