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Kaif Urges MI: Use Rohit Fully, Not Just as Impact Player in IPL 2026

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has urged the Mumbai Indians to fully utilise Rohit Sharma on the field throughout matches in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, arguing against using him merely as an Impact Player. Kaif believes Rohit's experience and inputs are vital for skipper Hardik Pandya, especially in high-pressure situations, citing last season's qualifier loss. He stated that full involvement in the game would also benefit Rohit's own batting form after a modest previous season. Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29.

Key Points: Kaif: MI Must Fully Utilise Rohit Sharma, Not as Impact Player

  • Kaif criticises MI's use of Rohit as Impact Player
  • Rohit's on-field presence crucial for captain Hardik
  • Rohit had a poor 240-run season in 2025
  • MI's IPL 2026 opener is vs KKR on March 29
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'Can't be just an Impact Player', says Kaif as he urges MI to fully utilise Rohit Sharma

Mohammad Kaif says Mumbai Indians need Rohit Sharma on field full-time in IPL 2026, not just as an Impact Player, to help Hardik Pandya.

"He can't be just an impact player; MI will need him in crunch situations. - Mohammad Kaif"

New Delhi, March 26

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Rohit Sharma should remain on the field for the entire duration of a T20 match instead of being used as an Impact Player by the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2026.

Rohit, who tops the list of batters with most runs for MI in IPL history, was often used as an Impact Player in the last season, which, according to Kaif, was wrong as Hardik needed his help, especially during the second qualifier played against Punjab Kings, which the Mumbai Indians lost after a brilliant knock by Shreyas Iyer.

In a tweet posted by Kaif on Thursday, he stated that MI should fully utilise the fully fit Rohit, and he can't be just an Impact Player. Kaif feels the MI will need the five-time IPL-winning captain in crunch situations, and his presence on the field will also help skipper Hardik Pandya.

"Mumbai Indians should fully utilise the fitter and learner Rohit Sharma. He can't be just an impact player; MI will need him in crunch situations. Also, his inputs to captain Hardik Pandya will be precious. Last year in Qualifier 2 against Kings XI, when Shreyas Iyer was hitting, Hardik needed Rohit next to him. Full involvement in the game will help Rohit the batter, too," Kaif wrote in a tweet on X.

Rohit had a poor stint in the last season, where he scored just 240 runs. The opener would like to change the course and contribute more with the bat in the upcoming season.

According to the 20-match schedule released by the BCCI, the Mumbai Indians will open their campaign on March 29 against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Hardik Pandya-led side will then travel to Delhi to play at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 4 against the Delhi Capitals.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I agree, but let's not forget his form last season. 240 runs is not what you expect from Rohit Sharma. Maybe the management was trying something new? He needs to prove himself with the bat first and foremost. Runs will demand his full presence.
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Vikram M
As a die-hard MI fan, this whole situation hurts. Rohit built this team. He should be the captain, full stop. Hardik is a great player, but Rohit's strategic mind is unmatched. Keeping him off the field for parts of the game is a tactical blunder. Hope they listen to Kaif.
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Sarah B
Interesting perspective. The Impact Player rule is still new. Maybe MI was experimenting? But Kaif has a point about leadership. In high-pressure games like that qualifier, you need all your senior players on the field guiding the young ones.
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Rohit P
Bhai, Rohit Sharma is a World Cup-winning captain! You don't bench such a player. His inputs are gold for Hardik. MI management needs to wake up and use him properly. A fit and hungry Rohit is a nightmare for any bowling attack. Can't wait for the season to start! 💙
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, I think we are being too sentimental. Cricket is a performance-based sport. If the team strategy for a particular match requires him as an Impact Player, so be it. The goal is to win the IPL, not to satisfy fan sentiments. Let the coach and captain decide what's best.

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