Mumbai Indians (MI) owner Nita Ambani failed to recognize Rohit Sharma ahead of the IPL 2026 season starting on Saturday, March 28. The franchise owner called the former skipper a young boy after witnessing his impressive physical transformation during the ongoing MI training camp.
Rohit currently plays only one format of international cricket and has worked incredibly hard on his personal fitness over the past year. The 38-year-old cricketer was last seen in action during the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on home soil in January, where he scored just 61 runs in three innings.
Just days away from the opening of their tournament, MI shared a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday, March 27. Nita Ambani noticed Rohit Sharma’s physical transformation, noting that he is looking leaner, sharper and more fit ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Upon reaching the Mumbai Indians camp, Ambani expressed his surprise at Sharma’s fitness. Sharing his reaction with the former captain, he said that his recent transformation has made him look much younger.
Nita Ambani said, “Oh my God Rohit, I don’t recognize you. You look like a young boy.”
Mrs. Nita Ambani meets the Tata team during training ahead of the start of IPL 2026! pic.twitter.com/r2Gy9NaDOc
– Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) 27 March 2026
Rohit Sharma eyes strong start as Mumbai Indians aim for record sixth IPL title
Rohit Sharma has been crucial to the batting success of Mumbai Indians this season. The experienced opener will aim to provide a strong start when MI face Ajinkya Rahane-led Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, March 29.
After reaching the playoffs last season, Mumbai Indians are looking like a balanced and confident unit. The team has the depth and experience required to challenge strongly, and they will be aiming to clinch a record sixth IPL title this year.
Rohit led MI from 2013 to 2023 and led them to five titles. He stepped down before the 2024 season, after which Hardik Pandya took over the reins. After finishing last in 2024, MI made a comeback in 2025 but lost to Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2.
Rohit Sharma is the key to Mumbai Indians’ success in IPL 2026
Before Hardik Pandya became the captain, Rohit Sharma had led Mumbai Indians in 158 matches. During his tenure, the opening batsman led the team to five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, making him one of the most successful captains in the league history.
Rohit is the second highest run scorer in IPL history. He has scored 7,046 runs in 272 matches at an average of 29.73 and strike rate of 132.10, which includes two centuries and 47 half-centuries. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has scored 2,749 runs and taken 78 wickets.
Under Hardik’s leadership, Mumbai Indians made a strong comeback in 2025 after a poor season in 2024. However, their campaign ended in Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings. The team will now depend on Rohit and Hardik to perform consistently this season.
Also Read: Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Full Schedule: PBKS Fixtures, Dates, Time and Venue | Squad and coach
