Rohit’s selfless reaction on Mumbai Indians retention: Happy to be 4th pick

Rohit Sharma, the five-time IPL-winning captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), has opened up after being retained by the franchise for INR 16.30 crore, placing him as the fourth-highest-paid player in the team for IPL 2025. Rohit, a core part of the Mumbai Indians’ success story, trails Jasprit Bumrah (18 crore), Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav (16.35 crore each) in terms of retention value. Yet, he’s content with the team’s decision to prioritize players still active in international cricket.
In an interview with JioCinema, Rohit shared his perspective on the retention lineup and why he feels it’s the right call. “Since I have retired from the [T20] format, I think this is the perfect [retention] spot for me,” Sharma explained. “The players who are representing the national team at the highest level should get the preference. That’s what I believe in, and I am quite happy with it.”
The upcoming IPL season will be particularly significant for Rohit Sharma, as it will mark his only involvement in T20 cricket since he announced his retirement from international T20s after India’s World Cup victory. This decision opens the door for MI’s younger Indian talent, such as Tilak Varma, to shine alongside Rohit in what could be his final years with the franchise.
Rohit Sharma emphasised the city’s sentimental value by reflecting on his enduring relationship with Mumbai. “I have played so much cricket in Mumbai; this is where I started my cricket career. This city is very, very special. When you play for such a long time, you create so many memories with the team,” he said. Known for his captaincy, which led MI to the 2020 IPL title, Rohit acknowledged the recent challenges the team has faced. “We haven’t had the best of seasons in the last two or three years, but we are quite determined to change that.”
Rohit’s selfless approach has set a positive tone for MI’s new leadership under Hardik Pandya, who now assumes the captaincy role, with Sharma continuing to provide stability at the top of the batting order. As one of the IPL’s most storied franchises, Mumbai Indians will look to Sharma’s experience and leadership to guide the team toward another shot at the title.
With a renewed focus on nurturing young talent and building a sustainable future, MI has retained an Indian core that includes Bumrah, Pandya, Yadav, and Varma.