New Delhi, March 26 – Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Rohit Sharma should remain on the field for the entire duration of a T20 match, rather than being used as an Impact Player by the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Rohit, who holds the record for most runs for MI in IPL history, was often used as an Impact Player in the last season, which, according to Kaif, was a mistake because Hardik needed his support, especially during the second qualifier against Punjab Kings, which MI lost despite a brilliant innings by Shreyas Iyer.
In a tweet posted by Kaif on Thursday, he stated that MI should fully utilize the fully fit Rohit, and he cannot just be an Impact Player. Kaif believes that MI will need the five-time IPL-winning captain in crucial situations, and his presence on the field will also help captain Hardik Pandya.
"Mumbai Indians should fully utilize the fitter and more experienced Rohit Sharma. He cannot just be an Impact Player; MI will need him in crucial situations. Also, his insights to captain Hardik Pandya will be invaluable. Last year, in the Qualifier 2 against Kings XI, when Shreyas Iyer was scoring runs, Hardik needed Rohit by his side. Full involvement in the game will also help Rohit as a batter," Kaif wrote in a tweet on X.
Rohit had a disappointing season, scoring only 240 runs. He hopes to improve his performance and contribute more with the bat in the upcoming season.
According to the 20-match schedule released by the BCCI, the Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign on March 29 against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Hardik Pandya-led side will then travel to Delhi to play against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 4.
Rohit, who holds the record for most runs for MI in IPL history, was often used as an Impact Player in the last season, which, according to Kaif, was a mistake because Hardik needed his support, especially during the second qualifier against Punjab Kings, which MI lost despite a brilliant innings by Shreyas Iyer.
In a tweet posted by Kaif on Thursday, he stated that MI should fully utilize the fully fit Rohit, and he cannot just be an Impact Player. Kaif believes that MI will need the five-time IPL-winning captain in crucial situations, and his presence on the field will also help captain Hardik Pandya.
"Mumbai Indians should fully utilize the fitter and more experienced Rohit Sharma. He cannot just be an Impact Player; MI will need him in crucial situations. Also, his insights to captain Hardik Pandya will be invaluable. Last year, in the Qualifier 2 against Kings XI, when Shreyas Iyer was scoring runs, Hardik needed Rohit by his side. Full involvement in the game will also help Rohit as a batter," Kaif wrote in a tweet on X.
Rohit had a disappointing season, scoring only 240 runs. He hopes to improve his performance and contribute more with the bat in the upcoming season.
According to the 20-match schedule released by the BCCI, the Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign on March 29 against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Hardik Pandya-led side will then travel to Delhi to play against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 4.