Rohit Sharma Mumbai Indians: Big demand raised regarding Rohit Sharma, what is Hardik Pandya going to do in IPL 2026?

New Delhi. Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra believes that Rohit Sharma should be on the field for the entire 40 overs in the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Akash says that Mumbai Indians should not use him as an ‘impact player’ in the upcoming season. Chopra said that it does not make much sense for a fully fit player like Rohit to play only as a batsman, whereas he can contribute in the entire match. It remains to be seen what decision captain Hardik Pandya takes regarding Rohit Sharma in the upcoming season starting from March 28.

Akash told GeoHotstar, “If you are fit, you should play the entire match and not be a substitute. Especially when you are batting in the second innings, you should not come as an ‘impact player’. An opener is not used to watching 20 overs of the match from the dugout.” Aakash Chopra also explained that opening batsmen have a habit of being involved in the game from the very beginning and they prepare accordingly before coming on the field to bat.

He said, “Opening batsmen have a habit of staying on the field, preparing accordingly and then playing in full rhythm as soon as they enter the ground. Rohit Sharma is the fittest, most agile and probably the strongest player at the moment, so he should remain on the field for the entire 40 overs. In fact, in this way Mumbai Indians will be able to make full use of Rohit Sharma.”

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also believes that Rohit should not be limited to just the role of a substitute and stressed the importance of his experience on the field. Bhajji said, “Rohit Sharma has been used as the 12th man who only bats, but I feel that the kind of leader he has been, a player like him should be there on the field. In difficult matches, when some important decisions have to be taken, whenever the captain needs someone’s support, then Rohit Sharma can become that support for Hardik Pandya.”

Captain Rohit, who won the IPL trophy five times, was often used as an ‘impact player’ by Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025, which was heavily criticized by the fans. Rohit could not show anything special with the bat in IPL 2025 and he could only score 240 runs.