Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has made a bold recommendation for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Kaif advised RCB to consider acquiring Rohit Sharma as their captain if Mumbai Indians (MI) release him. 

Rohit, who has led MI to five IPL titles, was removed from captaincy before IPL 2024, with Hardik Pandya taking over the reins. However, under Hardik’s leadership, MI struggled, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins.

The decision to remove Rohit Sharma as captain was met with considerable backlash from fans, especially as MI’s performance dipped significantly under Hardik's captaincy. Reflecting on Rohit's leadership, Kaif highlighted his ability to transform teams with tactical acumen, stating that he has the knack to elevate players and make crucial moves during matches.

“Players mei 19-20 hota hai, mai guarantee bol raha hoon players mei 19-20 hota hai. Ye banda 18 ko 20 kar deta hai. 18 wale player ko 20 kar deta hai. Gale mei haath daal ke kaam nikalna jaanta hai. Tactical moves jaanta hai, kisko kaha fit karna hai 11 mein, vo role badhiya batata hai. Mera manna hai agar mauka miley RCB ko toh bhai le lo Rohit Sharma ko as a captain (The names of all these players—there are 19-20 players, I am telling you for sure. There are 19-20 players; this guy can make 18-20. He can make 18-20; he knows how to put his hand around the neck and make a move. He knows the tactical moves and where to fit in the 11. He plays that role well, so I believe if the RCB gets a chance, then take Rohit Sharma as a captain)” said Kaif in a video shared by StarSports. 

As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, it remains to be seen whether MI will make the bold decision to release their former captain, and if RCB or another franchise will seize the opportunity to recruit one of IPL’s most successful captains in the history.