The situation where Rohit Sharma leaves MI is no longer a what-if question but a possible nightmare for MI fans. MI’s management is reportedly mulling over continuing their IPL journey without the Indian legend, and they must now be meticulously scouting domestic talent capable of not only matching Rohit’s high output at the top of the order but also carrying the weight of the MI legacy.

3 Names Can Cover Rohit’s Role in MI

The search for a genuine replacement for Rohit Sharma in IPL isn’t just about an opener; it’s about securing the next Indian superstar to rebuild their dynasty around.

Ishan Kishan

There’s actually a rumour going on that Ishan Kishan is at the top of MI’s target list of players who can replace Rohit Sharma. He is probably the most obvious and best choice for the replacement for Rohit Sharma in IPL. The reason is simple, because he was already a key part of the team before the last big auction forced MI to let him go. His aggressive manner and ability to hit boundaries from the first ball have earned him a reputation as an explosive left-handed keeper-batsman. He is already an experienced opener who is the most familiar with MI’s rigorous culture. His strongest suit is his ability to set an aggressive, fast-paced atmosphere.

Why MI Should Target Ishan Kishan?

The decision to bring Kishan back if Rohit Sharma leaves MI is motivated by both familiarity and necessity. He adds a fantastic wicketkeeping option and perfectly fits Rohit’s opening slot. MI wants his high-risk, high-reward style, and he is young (with 8–10 years of service). Most importantly, bringing him back eliminates the huge risk of having a brand-new player try to handle the massive pressure of the MI dressing room.

Sanju Samson

Although choosing him might be a little more difficult than choosing a previous player, Sanju Samson is a very alluring option for the Mumbai Indians. He is a brilliant right-handed top-order batsman who can also keep wickets. He is renowned for his exquisite timing and ability to make sixes appear effortless. His primary strength isn’t just power, but his superb timing and ability to score rapidly against all bowling styles – pace, spin, medium-pace, you name it. This consistent hitting makes him a high-quality replacement for Rohit Sharma in the following IPL.

Lately, Samson has also grown significantly as a responsible captain and leader. He shows he can stick around to anchor the innings when the team needs stability, but he can also instantly explode in the middle overs to change the game. This blend of maturity and destruction is exactly what Mumbai needs.

Why MI Should Target Sanju Samson?

If Rohit Sharma leaves MI, Samson gives them two huge assets. First, he is a ready-made Indian leader who MI could train to take over the captaincy for the long haul – something they always value. Second, he brings stability and class to the top of the order. While Kishan is all about pure power, Samson is more controlled but still destructive. If MI already buys another big opener, Samson is the perfect replacement for Rohit Sharma in IPL at number three, acting as the team’s anchor while still scoring quickly. His ability to lead and adapt makes him a high-value strategic target.

Ayush Mahtre

Ayush Mahtre, who embodies MI’s well-known tactic of supporting young, untapped domestic talent for important posts, is unquestionably the wild card on this list. On the domestic scene, he has been subtly making an impression on everyone as a young, prospective top-order batsman, usually opening. His temperament is his greatest asset; an opener needs to be able to remain composed under duress. He’s a perfect partner for a more explosive player since he knows how to set boundaries without taking wild chances early on and has excellent technique against the new ball.

Why MI Should Target Ayush Mahtre?

This is where smart finance meets future planning. If Rohit Sharma leaves MI, targeting Mahtre means MI can manage their salary cap much more efficiently. Instead of spending ₹12–15 Crore on a veteran, they could acquire Mahtre at a lower price, freeing up massive funds to spend big on a world-class overseas pace bowler or finisher. This completely mirrors MI’s successful history of developing their own stars, like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya back in the day. Mahtre is the perfect budget-friendly, high-potential answer to the vacant opening slot, giving them a long-term replacement for Rohit Sharma in IPL without bankrupting the team.

Our Thought

The truth is, no one can truly replace the legend of Rohit Sharma. But the auction gives the Mumbai Indians a huge chance to completely rethink their batting line-up. Whether they choose the familiar explosive power of Ishan Kishan, the experienced leadership and classic style of Sanju Samson, or the high-potential, cheaper option of Ayush Mahtre, the choice they make for the next replacement for Rohit Sharma in IPL will decide how the Mumbai Indians franchise performs for the next ten years.

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