Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, recently shared his experience of being bought for $750,000 at the first-ever IPL auction in 2008. He played for Deccan Chargers from 2008 to 2010 before joining MI for $2 million at the 2011 auction. Rohit Sharma has been with the team since and became a captain in 2013. In a recent Star Sports IPL 2023 preview show called ‘Stars on Star,’ Rohit Sharma reflected on his team’s poor performance in the 2022 IPL and discussed the need for improvement in the upcoming season. He also reminisced about his first IPL auction experience. He said:
“Firstly, I didn’t even know how much $750,000 was. My number came very late in the auction, probably after one and a half hours. A thing like the auction had never happened to us before, and nobody had even heard of it.
“After I was sold, I was told I was getting $750,000; I think it was 3 to 3.5 crore. But I was thrilled and thought about which car I should buy. That was the planning I was doing! I was only 20 years old at that time.”
Rohit Sharma has led Mumbai Indians (MI) to unprecedented success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), winning the T20 league trophy a record five times. MI has established itself as the most successful franchise in IPL history under Rohit’s captaincy.
Anil Kumble on How Rohit Sharma Became Mumbai Indians Captain in 2013: “He Said, I am Ready”
During IPL 2013, Australian legend Ricky Ponting was initially appointed as the captain of Mumbai Indians. However, due to a poor batting form, he was replaced by Rohit Sharma, as only four overseas players could play. Anil Kumble, the chief mentor, recalled how the change in captaincy took place. Kumble, John Wright, and the owners had a conversation, and Rohit Sharma was asked if he was willing to take up the captaincy. Without any hesitation, Rohit said, “Yes, I am ready.” Rohit went on to lead MI to their first IPL trophy in 2013.
