Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes a resurgent Rohit Sharma could significantly influence the closing stages of IPL 2026, especially as the Mumbai Indians look to salvage a challenging campaign. According to Gavaskar, Rohit’s return to form not only boosts MI’s chances but also positions them as a potential disruptor in the playoff race.
Rohit made an emphatic comeback after injury, smashing 84 off 44 balls in a high-pressure chase against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium. His commanding 143-run opening stand with Ryan Rickelton laid the foundation for a memorable six-wicket win while chasing a daunting 229—one of the standout run chases of the season.
Gavaskar, who has closely tracked Rohit’s journey over the past year, pointed to a noticeable shift in his approach since stepping away from captaincy duties in white-ball cricket and the IPL.
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“I’ve been watching Rohit closely. Since giving up leadership roles, he’s focused more on his batting. The results are there to see—runs in international cricket and now in the IPL,” Sunil Gavaskar observed. He added that if Rohit maintains this form, Mumbai could become a serious threat to teams fighting for playoff spots. “If he continues like this, Mumbai Indians can hurt the playoff hopes of several teams,” he said.
Traditionally, Rohit has been known for providing quick starts rather than compiling big scores across an entire season. However, Gavaskar emphasised that even his 40s and 50s have often carried significant value by setting the tone early.
“In the IPL, Rohit typically scores around 400–500 runs in a season. Even if those aren’t big centuries, his starts create momentum and put pressure on the opposition,” he explained. What stands out this season, though, is a clear evolution in intent. Gavaskar believes Rohit is now looking to bat deeper into innings and play a more decisive role. “The change is evident—he wants to stay longer and have a bigger impact on the result,” he noted.
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Rohit’s innings against LSG reflected that shift perfectly. It was a blend of control, calculated aggression, and classic strokeplay. His trademark pull shots were executed with authority, short balls were dispatched into the stands, and full deliveries were driven elegantly through the covers.
He also showcased his ability to dominate spin, particularly against left-arm spinner Manimaran Siddharth, attacking against the turn with confidence. For the Mumbai Indians, Rohit’s form could be the X-factor in an otherwise inconsistent season.
