The five-time champion Mumbai Indians (MI), who had a difficult start to their IPL 2023 season, have finally regained their equilibrium and are presently ranked third in the points standings.
With the exception of Rohit Sharma, practically all of their hitters have recently had significant performances, showing that they have raised their hands at the correct time. The Mumbai captain, is still having trouble, having scored only 191 runs in 11 games at a dismal average of 17.3.
It is concerning that Rohit is subpar performance is not only this season. In five of his last six IPL seasons, the India skipper failed to surpass 400 runs.
This year, Rohit’s position on the squad has been the topic of various debates. Several cricket experts have even said that Rohit should rest for a few games or maybe drop out of the playing XI.
It would not be a terrible idea to consider the Mumbai Indians’ options beyond Rohit Sharma. Here are three reasons why the Mumbai Indians should release Rohit Sharma after the ongoing IPL 2023 season.
1) Rohit Sharma’s little contribution with the bat
As indicated previously, Rohit’s form has been a subject of concern for the Mumbai franchise. The IPL veteran, who has broken numerous white-ball records throughout his career, has hit a new low with the bat.
Rohit’s most recent five scores were: 7,0, 0, 3, and 2. Apart from his half-century against the Delhi Capitals (DC), Rohit has struggled to contribute for his team.
Even in the IPL 2022, he was a disappointment, scoring only 268 runs at an average of 19.1 and a strike rate of 120.8 across 14 matches.
In an era when top-order hitters have a high possibility of scoring large, Rohit’s last IPL innings in which he scored more than 80 runs occurred five years ago, against RCB in IPL 2018.
2) Will free up ₹16 crores
Rohit Sharma has been one of the highest-paid cricketer in IPL. The franchise snatched up his services in IPL 2011 auction for ₹13 crores before retaining him for ₹12.5 crores and ₹15 crores, in 2013 and 2018, respectively.
Since 2022, the former Deccan Chargers cricketer has been making 16 crore each year. The team has won five IPL titles in the last eight years, under his leadership. However, it would not be an exaggeration to suggest that Rohit’s productive years as a Mumbai Indians player are most likely finished.
While Rohit has a few years remaining at the highest level, it may not be a terrible idea for MI to release him. People might call the move risky and cold-hearted, but it would not be a terrible bet from a business standpoint.
Cameron Green (17.50 crores), Ishan Kishan (15.25 crores), and Jasprit Bumrah (12 crores) are already among MI’s top earners. The release of 16 crores from Rohit will allow them to check out numerous choices at the top.
3) MI’s strategy to invest in youth
Mumbai Indians are perhaps the best IPL franchise when it comes to discovering special talents from domestic circuits and developing them into world-class players.
MI’s scouting team has been extremely successful in identifying players such as Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya, Nitish Rana, and Rahul Chahar. MI also scouted players such as Yuzvendra Chahal, Nicholas Pooran, Jitesh Sharma, and Josh Hazlewood before they advanced in their respective careers.
The list continues on, and now, following the mega auction in 2022, the team has some remarkable skills on their roster. Talented individuals such as Tilak Verma, Nehal Wadhera, and Dewald Brevis have already demonstrated why they will be the talk of the town in the coming years.
Cameron Green, is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the world, while being only 23 years old. Mumbai’s deliberate commitment to invest in youngsters will entirely remodel their squad for the better, and the results have already been seen in IPL 2023.
In these circumstances, releasing Rohit, who turned 36 last month, might be a wise management option ahead of the upcoming season. With Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav already on board, Mumbai Indians might not even have to look for a captain if they decide to move on from Rohit.
