As the new IPL season approaches, one big question is already creating buzz, how will Rohit Sharma be used by Mumbai Indians this time?
Last season, Rohit Sharma was often used as an Impact Player, meaning he would come in to bat but wouldn’t spend much time on the field. This raised a few eyebrows, especially since he is the most experienced player in the team. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra even questioned the strategy, suggesting that a fully fit player like Rohit should be involved throughout the match, both for his own rhythm and for the team’s benefit.
Now, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene has shared his thoughts and it looks like things could change slightly in the IPL 2026.
In simple terms, Mahela Jayawardene explained that Rohit Sharma’s limited field time last year was mainly due to fitness concerns and minor injuries. The team wanted to manage his workload carefully while still making use of his batting skills. Even then, he stressed that Rohit’s influence on the team remained strong, whether he was on the field or not.
However, this season, the plan is to have Rohit Sharma more involved during matches. The coach said he would prefer to keep him on the field as much as possible but he also made it clear that team balance will play a big role in these decisions.
Mumbai Indians have several all-rounders who can both bat and bowl, which gives captain Hardik Pandya multiple options during a game. Because of this flexibility, there might still be situations where Rohit is rotated out to allow more bowling choices.
Mahela Jayawardene also pointed out, in a light-hearted way, that Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav are the two players in the squad who are not all-rounders and this can influence tactical decisions.
In the end, it seems MI will take a flexible approach, balancing Rohit’s presence on the field with the team’s overall strategy. Either way, his role will remain crucial as Mumbai Indians look to make a strong impact this season.
