As Mumbai Indians (MI) prepares for the upcoming IPL 2026, Rohit Sharma is back in the limelight. Rohit Sharma is one of the biggest names in the world’s biggest franchise league, but the big question is whether Mumbai Indians (MI) will use him as an impact player again.
Last season, the former Mumbai captain played mainly as an impact player as he was rested while fielding to deal with long-term injuries. Nevertheless, the hitman scored 418 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 149.28 and helped MI take Qualifier 2.
Irfan Pathan wants Rohit Sharma on the field in IPL 2026
Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the five-time champions can continue with the same formula. But he also believes that Rohit Sharma should stay on the field as his experience and calm mind can help the team in pressure moments.
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Irfan Pathan said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “The main thing will be his mentality and how Mumbai Indians use it. Last year, he was used very effectively as an impact player, and I believe it is very important for him to be on the field. On the field, he can assist the captain, and his mind is always working as a leader. I can use him as an impact player. But when you have a player who Has been a successful captain and has won trophies, so you should make the most of him on the field and take full advantage of his leadership.”
Why does Mumbai Indians want Rohit Sharma?
The cricket pundit further said that Rohit’s strike rate and average have improved, and even his performance in the last season was much better. Pathan said that the former Indian captain’s batting is important for the team and he will look to make more of an impact in the 2026 season.
Rohit Sharma’s overall IPL record also reminds everyone of his class. Rohit has scored 7,046 runs in 267 innings with the help of 47 half-centuries and two centuries. Additionally, Rohit led MI to five titles.
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This could be his breakthrough season: Irfan Pathan’s prediction for Tilak Verma
Irfan also revealed that Tilak Verma will be one of the key players for MI in the upcoming season. He believes that if Tilak gets regular chances at number three, he can become one of the biggest game-changers for the franchise and can be even more dangerous in the middle order.
Pathan further added, “Another factor that I think will be very important is Tilak Verma. Tilak Verma has developed as a fast bowler and because of this, I believe he will have a big impact for Mumbai Indians provided he is played at number three regularly.”
If that happens, this could be his breakthrough season. When a player’s confidence and performance graph increases, especially by playing different positions, it gives you a chance to get the best out of him, which will be very beneficial for the team as well.
Notably, Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 29 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
