Rohit Sharma, known as one of the all-time greats in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is stepping into a new role this season where he mainly plays as an Impact Substitute. It’s a pretty big shift considering just a couple of seasons back, he was leading the Mumbai Indians as their captain. The team decided to shake things up by putting Hardik Pandya in charge and handing the vice-captain position to Suryakumar Yadav. This has allowed Rohit to step back from leadership duties and focus more on playing the game. In a recent conversation with the broadcasters, Rohit reflected on his changing role and all the shifts he’s seen over the years.
So far this season, the Mumbai Indians have had a tough start, winning only one out of their first three matches. But if anyone knows about bouncing back, it’s this franchise, which has a history of turning things around when the going gets tough. Rohit might not be the captain anymore, but his approach hasn’t changed; he’s still committed to doing what’s best for the team. He said, “Since I started, a lot has changed. I used to bat in the middle; now I open. I was captain, but now I’m not. Some teammates who were with me during our championship runs are now coaching. But no matter the changes, my mindset is still the same. I want to win games and trophies for this team. That’s what the Mumbai Indians strive for. We’ve pulled off incredible victories in situations where no one thought we could. That’s the spirit of MI and of Mumbai.”
Rohit also talked about the new players the team has brought in this season. He’s excited to get to know his teammates, especially the younger ones, while keeping the ultimate goal in sight: bringing back the trophy to the Mumbai Indians. He mentioned players like Trent Boult, who has come back to the team with loads of experience and an understanding of MI’s culture.
Then there’s Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand, who brings in his own brand of skill and experience. On top of that, players like Will Jacks and Reece Topley add a nice variety to the squad, while Ryan Rickelton is an exciting young talent to watch. Rohit believes each of these new faces brings something unique to the team. When everyone comes together and plays as a unit, it makes a real difference. He’s also looking forward to playing with some promising young Indian players who have the potential to shine. For him, the immediate goal is clear: winning the TATA IPL trophy and restoring glory to the Mumbai Indians.
