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Harbhajan Singh: "Player like Rohit Sharma should be on field," not an Impact Player

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged that Rohit Sharma should be a permanent on-field presence for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL season, rather than being used primarily as an Impact Player. Singh emphasized that Sharma's proven leadership and experience are vital assets that should be utilized during live play. He also suggested that Sharma could provide crucial strategic support to current captain Hardik Pandya, especially during high-pressure matches. This comes after Sharma scored 418 runs last season, often featuring in the Impact Player role.

Key Points: Harbhajan Singh on Rohit Sharma's IPL 2026 Role

  • Harbhajan Singh critiques Impact Player rule for Rohit
  • Wants Sharma's leadership on field for MI
  • Believes he can support captain Hardik Pandya
  • Sharma scored 418 runs last IPL season
2 min read

"Player like Rohit Sharma should be on field": Harbhajan Singh ahead of IPL 2026

Harbhajan Singh urges Mumbai Indians to keep Rohit Sharma on the field, not as an Impact Player, to support captain Hardik Pandya in IPL 2026.

"Rohit Sharma has been used as the 12th man who just bats, but I feel that the kind of leader he has been, a player like him should be on the field. - Harbhajan Singh"

New Delhi, March 13

Rohit Sharma, who has led Mumbai Indians to Indian Premier League title five times, is set to return to the competitive cricket in the upcoming IPL season, starting March 28 and the legendary Indian spinner and former MI player Harbhajan Singh wants him to remain on the field and not be an Impact Player.

The Impact Player rule, introduced in the IPL in 2023, allows teams to substitute one member of the playing XI with one of five designated substitutes at any point during a match. This tactical 12th player can bat and bowl their full quota of overs, significantly boosting team strategy, increasing scoring rates, and allowing for specialised batting or bowling reinforcements.

Speaking on JioStar, the former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh urged former MI Captain Rohit Sharma to be on the field.

He said, "Rohit Sharma has been used as the 12th man who just bats, but I feel that the kind of leader he has been, a player like him should be on the field."

The 38-year-old Sharma played most of his matches as an Impact Player last season, where the MI finished fourth in the points table.

Singh also believes that the MI skipper Hardik Pandya can use the expertise of Sharma while taking certain calls.

"In tough matches, when you need to take certain calls, when a captain sometimes needs a shoulder to lean on, Rohit Sharma can do that for Hardik Pandya," said Harbhajan.

In the last IPL season, Rohit Sharma scored 418 runs in 15 matches for the Mumbai Indians, averaging 29.86 with a strike rate of 149.29, featuring a high score of 81.

He achieved this after a slow start, finishing with four 50+ scores and surpassing 7,000 career IPL runs during the eliminator against the Gujarat Titans.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I agree, but we also have to be practical. He's 38. The Impact Player rule might help manage his workload. But yes, in crucial moments, his experience on the field is priceless for Hardik. Tough balance for the management.
R
Rohit P
Last season's stats show he was still scoring runs at a good strike rate. But cricket isn't just about batting. His field placements, reading of the game... that's what MI missed. Hope they listen to Harbhajan.
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's fascinating. The Impact Player rule is innovative, but it does create these dilemmas with senior legends. Should the rule be tweaked for players who are designated captains? Food for thought.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think Harbhajan is being sentimental. The game has evolved. If using him as an Impact Player gets the best out of his batting and preserves him, it's a smart move. Hardik is the captain now, he needs his own space to lead.
K
Kavya N
Hitman for a reason! 🏏 He should open and be on the field for at least 80% of the overs. His partnership with Bumrah in setting fields is crucial. Can't wait for March 28! #MI #IPL2026

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