Rohit Sharma Declining Form a Concern For Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma, one of the biggest names in cricket, is struggling in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). The 38-year-old has had a tough time with the bat, scoring only 82 runs in six matches. His average of 13.66 is among the worst for openers this season. His best score, 26 runs off 16 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, shows he’s finding it hard to make a mark. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are not doing well either, sitting seventh on the IPL points table. So, the question arises: how long will Mumbai Indians stick with Rohit Sharma, who seems to be their weakest link?
Rohit’s Struggles Are Hurting Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma’s poor form is a big reason for Mumbai Indians’ shaky performance. The team, which has won the IPL five times, is struggling to find its rhythm. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene has pointed out that the team is having trouble in the powerplay, both with batting and bowling. He said, “The powerplay is a concern for us with the ball and the bat.” While Mumbai Indians have a strong bowling unit with Jasprit Bumrah leading the attack, their batting, especially Rohit Sharma’s, is letting them down.
Interestingly, Rohit has not been able to bat beyond the powerplay in any of his six innings this IPL season. Since 2023, he has only managed to bat past the powerplay in 12 out of 36 IPL innings. This is a worrying trend for an opener whose job is to give the team a solid start. Among all IPL openers this year, only Delhi Capitals’ Jake Fraser-McGurk has worse numbers than Rohit, with 55 runs in six matches. Even compared to other players over 35, like Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell, Rohit’s performance stands out as poor, though Russell bats lower and faces fewer balls.
Rohit Sharma scored a fighting Hundred when Mumbai Indians played against Chennai Super Kings last time at Wankhede 🔵
– It’s Super Sunday & it’s MI vs CSK. pic.twitter.com/mc7U9PNUcV
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 20, 2025
Mumbai Indians’ History of Tough Calls
Mumbai Indians are known for making bold decisions. Over the years, they have discovered talents like Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishan Kishan through their scouting network. This season, young players like Vignesh Puthur, and Ashwani Kumar have also emerged. In the past, the team didn’t hesitate to take big steps. For example, in 2013, they replaced their captain, Ricky Ponting, mid-season, and went on to win their first IPL title.
However, when it comes to Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians seem less decisive. Despite his poor form, the team has kept him in the lineup. Jayawardene has backed him, saying, “I still back the senior pros and all the guys I put out there. They have the skill.” But Rohit’s recent IPL record raises doubts. Since 2022, his batting average is just 22.89, the second-lowest among openers who have played 20 or more innings. His small scores, like 15s and 20s, are often celebrated, but they aren’t enough to help the team win.
Did Mumbai Indians Make a Mistake?
Before last year’s IPL auction, Mumbai Indians decided to retain Rohit Sharma, even though he was 37 years old. This choice showed they were not planning for the long term. Rohit has only scored over 400 runs in one of the last five IPL seasons, and his current form is hurting the team. Former India opener Virender Sehwag has even suggested that Rohit should retire from the IPL. He said, “It is your legacy that is getting hurt. It’s now time for him to retire.” These words highlight the growing concern about Rohit’s place in the team.
Moreover, Rohit’s fitness is another issue. He has been dealing with a knee problem, and it’s unclear if he can play for two more IPL seasons. As an opener, he takes up a key spot in the batting order, and his failure to score big runs puts pressure on the rest of the team. Mumbai Indians’ fans are left wondering if the team missed a chance to move on from Rohit and build a younger, stronger lineup.
How Long Will Mumbai Indians Wait?
Rohit Sharma’s legacy as the captain who led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles is unmatched. His success in international cricket, including helping India win the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy last month, adds to his reputation. But in the IPL, his recent performances have been disappointing. Mumbai Indians are known for taking tough calls, but they seem hesitant to act when it comes to Rohit.
