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

Former South African batter AB de Villiers feels Rohit Sharma moving to Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be bigger than Hardik Pandya returning to Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Rohit was replaced as MI’s captain in the previous season of the IPL but the team could not flourish under Hardik Pandya.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is a five-time IPL-winning captain, the most along with former CSK skipper MS Dhoni. Furthermore, Rohit recently led India to T20 World Cup glory.

On the other hand, Faf du Plessis, 40, has been leading RCB in the last few seasons after Virat Kohli relinquished the captaincy duties back in 2021. Thus, if RCB bag Rohit Sharma in the auction, he can also take on the captaincy bridle.

AB admitted he doesn’t see the possibility of Rohit Sharma leaving Mumbai Indians.

“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.

The former South African captain added he sees Faf du Plessis leading RCB despite turning 40.

“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.

IPL mega auction is likely to take place in November.