Will Rohit Sharma play as an impact player in IPL 2026 also? Know what Mahela Jayawardene said

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 18, 2026

IPL 2026 is starting from March 22 and questions were being raised continuously among the fans of Mumbai Indians regarding the role of Rohit Sharma. Rohit, who was seen as an impact player in the last season, has now given a big statement on what role Rohit will be seen in this time. Team head coach Mahela Jayawardene has given a big statement on this. There are clear indications from his statement that this time there may be a change in Rohit’s role.

Before IPL 2026, a big news has come out from the camp of Mumbai Indians. There was a long-running discussion about the role of former team captain Rohit Sharma, especially after he was used as an impact player in the last season. Now head coach Mahela Jayawardene has clarified the situation on this.

Jayawardene told during a recent conversation that there were some fitness-related concerns behind using Rohit Sharma as an impact player last season. The team management wanted to manage him better, so he was kept out of the field most of the time and was brought in to bat when needed.

However, this time the picture may be a little different. Jayawardene clearly said that he wants to see Rohit on the field as much as possible this season. He believes that whether Rohit is on the field or outside, his impact is always big for the team, but this time he can be given more opportunities in the playing eleven. Last season, Rohit Sharma was often brought to open the batting, where he along with Ryan Rickelton gave the team a good start many times, but Rohit was seen in the dugout most of the time.

Rohit Sharma Will be seen on the field and not as an impact player. pic.twitter.com/LLAFD9SMyQ
— MI Fans Army™ (@MIFansArmy) March 17, 2026

If we look at Rohit’s IPL career, he has played for only two teams, Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians. Having scored 7046 runs in 272 matches, he is among the most successful batsmen of the league. The special thing is that he has scored 6149 runs alone for Mumbai Indians, which is the highest for the team so far.

Rohit Sharma, associated with Mumbai Indians since 2011, has played an important role in making the team champion 5 times and has been an important part of every season. In the last season i.e. IPL 2025, Rohit had performed brilliantly while playing as an impact player. He scored 418 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 149.29, which shows that his bat is as dangerous even today.