Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif suggested that the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could possibly enter trade discussions before the IPL 2026 auction. The former batter and commentator noted that KKR, now led by new head coach Abhishek Nayar, might attempt to bring in five-time IPL-winning captain Rohit Sharma from Mumbai.
However, Kaif also expressed confidence that the 38-year-old would remain loyal to the Ambani-owned franchise. His comments followed reports of a potential trade deal between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) involving Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja.
According to ESPNcricinfo, RR is reportedly looking to exchange Samson for CSK all-rounders Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Sharing his views on his YouTube channel on Sunday (November 9), Kaif stated:
“They might be looking to pull Rohit Sharma as well. Abhishek Nayar would be keen to have him. Who wouldn’t want him as captain? He’s a five-time IPL-winning captain. Rohit, obviously, would have had a lot of options last year as well. He wouldn’t want to leave his faithfulness. He might come up with a similar answer this year.”
The 44-year-old emphasized once again that Rohit should continue leading a team in the IPL. He added:
“He should play as captain till he plays, which I’ve said last year as well. Whatever he can do, there would be very few players who can run a team like that, like picking three or four spinners in the 2024 T20 World Cup, as per the conditions.”
Mohammad Kaif also criticized KKR for spending a massive ₹23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer last season. The former cricketer remarked that such hefty sums are usually reserved for captains or proven all-rounders. He further pointed out that the Knight Riders ended up appointing Ajinkya Rahane as captain at the last moment.
“KKR spent a huge amount of money on Venkatesh Iyer last year. It’s not only about batting and winning games. It is done when you see a leadership role or when the individual is an all-rounder, bowls and bats as well. In KKR, there are a lot of people from Mumbai, so at the last minute, they made Rahane the captain,” Kaif said in the same video.
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