IPL 2018: Rohit Sharma looks forward to the upcoming season with Mumbai Indians

Defending champions Mumbai Indians have retained their core players for the upcoming Indian Premier League. The three-time IPL champions have retained skipper, Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and bowler Jasprit Bumrah as announced on their official Twitter handle.

Rohit was in charge when the side from Mumbai won a close-encounter by one-run against Rising Pune Supergiant in the 2017 IPL Auction to give the franchise their third title in the span of ten editions of the tournament. In the recent times, the right-handed batsman has been in some mind-blowing form. Rohit became the joint-fastest T20I centurion in World Cricket when he reached the milestone off just 35 deliveries in the match against Sri Lanka.

The swashbuckling batsman was part of the title-winning Deccan Chargers side before he made the switch to the Mumbai Indians. Since then, the right-hander has just not turned back after becoming the pillar of strength for the side.

Rohit has been tested a lot at Mumbai Indians

Rohit’s captaincy was put to the test, in the 2015 season as the Mumbai Indians crashed to another defeat in the first six games of the tournament. However, following that they staged a dramatic turnaround as they won the IPL for the second time.

“Skipper Rohit Sharma is an automatic retention having led the team to three IPL titles. Hardik Pandya is one of the big match-winners and the interesting third retention would be Krunal Pandya,” a senior BCCI official in the know of things told PTI on Monday.

However, the decision was confirmed by the franchise later in the evening confirming all the speculations made by the media.

Excited to be part of this wonderful franchise again. This team is what it is today because of its wonderful fans, people who work hard behind the scenes and it’s passionate owners. Along with @Jaspritbumrah93 and @hardikpandya7 I look forward to the season ahead @mipaltan ?

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 4, 2018

Skipper Rohit Sharma said that he was excited to be part of the franchise that has given him everything. He also praised the fans for their involvement in the game, and that perhaps is one of the reasons behind Mumbai’s legacy status in the tournament.

Also, the skipper would be joined by all-rounder Hardik Pandya and pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Will Mumbai capture the title for a record fourth time or will the return of CSK see a tough fight?