Rohit Sharma might sit out parts of games but his presence matters. Into his late thirties, yet still part of key moments for Mumbai Indians. Matches passed by without him contributing in the field – noticed more when it happened often. Irfan Pathan sees value beyond just batting or bowling. Leadership counts too, especially under pressure. Keeping him active throughout could shift things quietly. Not every move needs spotlight; some work behind steady choices. Team balance changes if experience stays visible on ground. Old roles don’t always fit new formats. Still, skipping full involvement feels like missed opportunity. Letting him lead from inside the boundary makes difference others can follow. Season ahead may test how well they use what’s already there. Decisions now aren’t about reinvention – more like remembering what works.
Much like before, when Mumbai lifted their fifth trophy with Rohit at the helm, leadership shifted unexpectedly to Hardik Pandya just before the 2024 season began.
What matters most is his attitude along with how Mumbai Indians choose to play him. He made big differences last season coming off the bench, plus staying involved through matches really counts. While playing, he supports the captain because his thoughts keep shaping moves like a guide. Expect him stepped in at crucial moments again by Mumbai. If there’s someone around who led teams well before plus grabbed silverware, it makes sense to get him involved fully. Having that kind of person out there adds direction others might miss,” Pathan explained in a clip posted online
Fifty came his way four times when Rohit stepped onto the field in 2025. Across fifteen games that year, 418 runs found their mark through him, moving steadily at nearly 150 strikes per hundred balls faced. Seasons before and after matched intensity – each brought more than 400 runs without pause
“In the 2025 season, Rohit Sharma’s strike rate improved, his average went up, and his performances were much better, and he also scored big runs. He will bring that positive into this season. Rohit Sharma’s batting is crucial for the team because when you watch him in the IPL, you know he’s a much better player than this. Whatever he did last year, he will look to take it even further,” Pathan added.
Mumbai Indians Face Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium March 29 IPL 2026
