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3 Youngsters Who Can Replace Rohit Sharma at MI If He Retires
Rohit, 38 now, could retire after IPL 2026
After the end of IPL 2023, Rohit Sharma’s future at Mumbai Indians (MI) looked uncertain, with many speculating that the veteran batter could leave the franchise before the IPL 2024 mega auction after being replaced as captain. However, as it turned out, MI retained him for INR 16.3 crore ahead of the mega auction, after which Rohit went on to have his best season in 9 years, amassing 418 runs at a strike rate of nearly 150.0.
Rohit looks certain to play IPL 2026 with MI as well, but his future beyond that in the competition is a question mark, since he’ll be 40 by the time IPL 2027 comes about. We look at a few openers who could replace Rohit at MI should he retire.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
He plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket, he is already a batting superstar and is destined to become one of the faces of Indian cricket. Needless to say, Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the ideal replacement for Rohit at Mumbai Indians (MI), in every front. There have been some reports about Jaiswal having issues with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) management as well, so maybe there’s an opportunity for MI to poach him?
Either way, if there’s the slightest chance to get Jaiswal, MI will seal the deal. You can bet on that.
Ayush Mhatre
A significantly younger player than Jaiswal, but Ayush Mhatre is also from Mumbai, and he’s already shown signs that he could be an absolute star in the IPL in the years to come. He was roped in by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) halfway through IPL 2025 and he lit up the tournament through his power hitting, striking at nearly 190 in his debut season. At just 17 years of age, Mhatre proved to be an absolute revelation.
Now, the biggest challenge will be getting the youngster over to MI, because CSK will definitely not want to let him go. If you’re Mumbai, though, never say never.
Prabhsimran Singh
A slightly left-field choice but a very good one nevertheless. Prabhsimran has been playing IPL for over six years now, and he’s done nothing but grow from strength to strength. In IPL 2025, he endured an outstanding season, amassing over 500 runs, and was integral to the Punjab Kings making it to the final. He is only 24 and is now entering his prime as a batter.
Should Rohit walk away after next season, somehow roping in Prabshimran, who is a wicketkeeper as well, could be a very shrewd move from MI’s perspective.