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With reports of Rohit Sharma leaving the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 surfacing and joining forces with either Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) or Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), former South Africa and RCB cricketer, AB de Villiers finally opened up on what could happen.
According to the former Protean international, if Rohit Sharma decides to make a move to RCB ahead of IPL 2025, it could potentially turn out to be one of the biggest moves in history of the tournament. During the Q&A session on his YouTube channel, De Villiers stated that if this move takes place, it will gather all the limelight and will be a bigger move than Hardik Pandya’s trade to MI.
Rohit Sharma to RCB will be bigger than Hardik to MI: AB de Villiers
Speaking on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers spoke of potential Rohit Sharma transfer, meanwhile he opted to shut the rumours. He added that seeing him contribute significantly to MI, and leading them to five-title wins, the franchise will not let him go easily. "I almost laughed at the Rohit comment. That will be quite a story if Rohit moves from Mumbai Indians to RCB. Wow!” he began.
“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 added.
It is to be noted that Rohit Sharma was sacked from captaincy last season and the position was handed to all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was traded from the Gujarat Titans after leading them to their maiden title in their inaugural edition.
De Villiers backs Faf du Plessis to lead RCB in IPL 2025
Speaking on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers also backed Faf du Plessis to continue as captain of RCB despite age coming on him. "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,” he said.
He also clarified that even former RCB captain, Virat Kohli would back Faf du Plessis to lead the side. The Bengaluru-based franchise is yet to win an IPL title in the tournament’s 18-year long history. In the IPL 2024, the RCB finished at fourth place and were knocked out after Rajasthan Royals defeated them in the Eliminator in Ahmedabad.
