Rohit Sharma's first reaction after being retained by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025: 'Since I've retired, I am excited to continue my journey with MI'

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Speaking to JioCinema, Rohit shared his thoughts on choosing to stay back in Mumbai and how it holds sentimental value for him as a Mumbaikar and a player who has had memorable performances for the team.

“I have played so much cricket in Mumbai, this is the place where I started my cricket career. So this city is very, very special. Obviously, when you play for such a long time, you create so many memories with the team,” said Rohit in the interview. While he has been replaced by Hardik Pandya as captain, he will continue to open for the franchise.

While Rohit captained Mumbai to the IPL 2020 title, they haven’t had too much success in the years since. Rohit stated that he hopes to help edit their fortunes: “We haven’t had the best of the season in the last two or three years. But we are quite determined to change that.”

‘That’s what I believe in…'

Rohit was retained at INR 16.30 crore by Mumbai, behind the trio of Jasprit Bumrah (18 cr), Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav (16.35 cr each). He is part of a terrific Indian core in Mumbai, with Tilak Varma also staying at the franchise.

The IPL will be the only T20 matches Rohit will be involved in, having retired from T20 internationals following the World Cup success earlier this year. Reflecting on only being the fourth-highest earner for MI in the retention list, albeit by a relatively small amount, the Indian captain washed away any concerns about that being an issue.

“Since I have retired from the format, I think this is the perfect [retention] spot for me. 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,” said Rohit. Bumrah, considered the best bowler in the format in the world, will be the highest-paid player for Mumbai ahead of the IPL auction.

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