Rohit Sharma to RCB will be bigger than Hardik Pandya to MI: AB de Villiers

If Rohit Sharma was to move to RCB in IPL 2025, it would be a bigger move than Hardik Pandya rejoining Mumbai Indians, felt AB de Villiers. However, ABD doubted that the move could actually happen due to Rohit's loyalties towards MI.

In Short

• There are rumours that Rohit Sharma might leave MI before IPL 2025
• AB de Villiers spoke about the potential of Rohit joining RCB
• Sharma was sacked as the captain of MI last season

Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers believes that if Rohit Sharma decides to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, it could turn out to be the biggest move in the history of the tournament. Reacting to the rumours of Rohit leaving Mumbai Indians, on his YouTube channel, de Villiers said that the move would grab headlines left, right and centre.

Rohit Sharma was sacked from captaincy at MI last season and the position was handed to Hardik Pandya. Rohit, who did not speak at the time when the decision was made had his audio go viral later in the 2024 season in the league, discussing the developments in the franchise.

During a live Q and A session on his YouTube channel, de Villiers reacted to the potential move from Rohit Sharma. de Villiers said that he did not see Rohit moving from MI to RCB given his loyalties to the Mumbai-based franchise.

"I almost laughed at the Rohit comment. That will be quite a story if Rohit moves from Mumbai Indians to RCB. Wow! Imagine the headlines. It will be bigger than Hardik Pandya's move. He moved from Gujarat Titans back to Mumbai, which although wasn't big a surprise. But if Rohit moves from Mumbai to join his rivals in RCB...oh my god! I don't think there is an option there. I don't see a possibility of MI leaving Rohit. I will give that zero or 0.1 per cent chance," De Villiers said during a live Q&A session on YouTube.

De Villiers further added that he saw Faf du Plessis continuing as the captain of RCB despite being 40 years of age.

"Age is just a number, guys. I don't see why his turning 40 would be an issue. He has been there for a few seasons, and the players are used to him. I understand there has been pressure on him because he hasn't won the trophy for RCB, but he has been exceptional as a player. I think Virat will back him with all his experience," he added.

The franchises can retain up to 6 players ahead of IPL 2024. However, it has ben widely reported that the team will have to shell out a huge sum of money if they are to retain the players.

It is expected that the retention cost is going to be 18, 14, 11, 18 and 14 crores for the 5 retentions and 4 crores for uncapped players.