![Rohit Sharma [Source: @Oxygen18_/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1773757977245_RohitSharma.jpg?type=hq)
Rohit Sharma [Source: @Oxygen18_/x]
The Impact Player rule has added a new tactical dimension to the IPL, forcing teams to rethink even their most established names. Amid this evolving landscape, speculation has grown over whether Mumbai Indians legend Rohit Sharma could be deployed in a more flexible role in IPL 2026.
It is worth noting that Rohit was also frequently used as an Impact Substitute for a major part of Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 campaign last year, where they failed to go beyond the second qualifier of the season.
Ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has now revealed whether the franchise will persist with the same approach this time around.
Mumbai Indians coach makes big IPL 2026 claim on Rohit Sharma
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will not be utilized as an Impact Player in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The former Sri Lanka captain stated that he intends to keep the legendary opening batter on the field “as much as possible” this time around.
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Jayawardene also added that Rohit was mostly used as an Impact Player during IPL 2025 owing to his injury concerns at the time. The Mumbai Indians coach said “He had some injury issues last year, so we needed to manage him. The thing is, he is still making a huge impact on the team whether he is on the field or not. But definitely, this year I want to keep him on the field as much as possible.”
Rohit Sharma as an Impact Player in IPL 2025
Rohit Sharma was either traded in or out of the playing XI in the name of ‘Impact Substitute’ in 14 out of the 15 matches he played for the Mumbai Indians back in IPL 2025 last year. With the team management managing his workload, the legendary top-order batter responded back by stacking up 418 runs in just 15 innings at an average of nearly 30 and with a staggering strike rate of 149.28.
Sharma listed four half-centuries in the tournament, which included a match-winning 50-ball 81 against Gujarat Titans in the all-important Eliminator.
Ageing Rohit Sharma eyes sixth title with Mumbai Indians
A six-time IPL winner, including five for the Mumbai Indians as a captain, Rohit Sharma will be aiming to expand his glittering legacy with yet another title in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Aged 38 at the moment and nearing 39, the former India skipper will be keen to prove that he still remains a vital cog in Mumbai Indians’ quest for glory.
While Sharma continues to stand as one of the most decorated cricketers in the history of the IPL, he last tasted title success way back in IPL 2020 when Mumbai Indians lifted the coveted silverware in the UAE.
The former Indian Test and T20I cricketer last played any form of competitive cricket back in January during India’s three-match home ODI series against the visiting New Zealanders.
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