Mumbai: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will not be used as an Impact Player in the IPL 2026 season.
Decision after last season’s criticism
Jayawardene said the decision comes after the former captain was utilised as an Impact Substitute during IPL 2025, a move that drew criticism from fans and experts.
He clarified that the decision last season was influenced by Rohit’s fitness concerns, as the senior batter was not in peak physical condition.
Managing workload and fitness
According to the coach, Rohit had been dealing with minor injury issues, prompting the team management to carefully monitor his workload.
Using him as an Impact Player allowed the team to limit his time on the field while still benefiting from his batting.
Possible time on the bench
While ruling out the Impact Sub role this season, Jayawardene hinted that Rohit could still spend some time on the bench depending on team combinations and match situations.
This suggests that Mumbai Indians may continue to manage the veteran’s workload strategically.
Transition in leadership
The decision also comes amid the leadership transition at MI, with Hardik Pandya taking over captaincy duties from Rohit Sharma.
The franchise appears to be balancing experience and future planning as it prepares for IPL 2026.
Conclusion
With no Impact Sub role but a possibility of rotational rest, Mumbai Indians seem focused on keeping Rohit Sharma fit and effective throughout the season, while adapting to a new leadership era.