Mumbai Indians star Rohit Sharma is preparing for another IPL season as the team gears up for the 2026 campaign. After stepping away from international T20 cricket following India’s World Cup triumph in 2024, Rohit is set to return to the shortest format again with his IPL franchise.
This season will see Rohit playing under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya. With the tournament approaching, fans are closely watching Rohit’s preparation and role in the team.
Rohit Sharma Returns to T20 Action in IPL 2026
Rohit Sharma retired from T20 internationals after helping India win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024. Since then, he has focused mainly on other formats of the game.
IPL 2026 marks his return to competitive T20 cricket after that decision. While Hardik Pandya continues as captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit remains one of the most experienced players in the squad.
His presence at the top of the batting order is still considered crucial for the team.
Two Viral Videos Before the Season
Stop witnessing history, start owning it! 💙
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) February 28, 2026
Collect iconic moments & trade with other fans. Plus, @fc_superteam is dropping an exclusive Hitman Legacy T-Shirt for true SuperFans. 👕
To win:
1️⃣ Follow @fc_superteam
2️⃣ Check the contest post and participate on IG
3️⃣ Tag your… pic.twitter.com/5PyXqr3QYZ
Just before the start of the IPL season, two short videos involving Rohit Sharma began circulating on social media. These clips quickly caught the attention of fans and led to online discussions.
Video Outside the Team Hotel
After the practice session ended, when Rohit Sharma came out, the fans jokingly said, "Rohit bhaiya, vadapav pahije ka" and
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) January 6, 2026
Rohit just waved his hand and replied, "No" 😂❤️
bRO always enjoy with his fans❤️ pic.twitter.com/euco1nvMqs
One video showed Rohit Sharma outside the Mumbai Indians team hotel. In the clip, he appeared frustrated while trying to open the trunk of a car. When it did not open, Rohit was seen hitting the back of the car before walking into the hotel.
The moment spread quickly across social platforms and many fans began discussing what might have caused his reaction.
Moment with Fans Asking for Autographs
Another video showed Rohit Sharma interacting briefly with fans outside the hotel. Several fans requested autographs, but Rohit asked them to wait.
He said, “Nantar nantar… thamba re baba,” which translates roughly to “Later, please wait.”
After saying this, he walked inside the hotel. Since Rohit is usually known for being friendly with fans, the clip surprised some people and became a topic of conversation online.
Also See : Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 Schedule: Full Fixtures, Dates, Venues, Squad and Coaching Staff
Rohit Sharma’s Fitness Transformation
Along with these viral moments, fans also noticed a visible change in Rohit Sharma’s fitness. He appeared leaner and fitter ahead of the new IPL season.
This transformation has led to discussions among fans and cricket analysts about his preparation for the tournament. Many believe the improved fitness could help him perform better during the long IPL season.
Although there has been no official statement about the change, the difference in his physical condition has been widely noticed.
Rohit Sharma’s Performance Last Season
Even though Rohit was not the captain last season, he still played an important role for Mumbai Indians.
He mainly contributed as an opening batter and sometimes as an Impact Player, helping the team with strong starts in several matches.
Rohit Sharma’s IPL Performance Last Season
| Season | Role | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last IPL Season | Opening batter, Impact Player | 14 | 417 | 32.08 | 150.00 | Highest score 105 |
These performances showed that Rohit remains an important part of Mumbai Indians’ batting lineup.
Rohit Sharma’s Role in IPL 2026
For IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians are expected to use Rohit Sharma as a key top-order batter. Even though Hardik Pandya is the captain, Rohit’s experience and leadership presence still carry significant value in the dressing room.
The team will look to him for solid starts in the powerplay and stability in the batting order.
Mumbai Indians have had mixed results in recent seasons, but the team managed a strong comeback last year and reached the playoffs. With experienced players in the squad, MI will hope to challenge for the title again.
Mumbai Indians’ Opening Match in IPL 2026
Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with a home game at Wankhede Stadium.
MI Opening Match Details
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | March 29 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
The match will be an important start for the team, and fans will be eager to see Rohit Sharma back in T20 action.
With Rohit Sharma returning to the format and appearing in good physical shape, expectations are high among fans.
His ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order and guide younger players could play a major role in Mumbai Indians’ campaign.
As IPL 2026 unfolds, Rohit’s performance and form will be closely watched by supporters and cricket followers across the country.
FAQs
Why were Rohit Sharma’s videos trending before IPL 2026?
Two short videos showing Rohit outside the Mumbai Indians team hotel circulated on social media, which led to discussion among fans.
Did Rohit Sharma retire from T20 cricket?
Rohit Sharma retired from T20 internationals after India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, but he continues to play T20 cricket in the IPL.
What role will Rohit Sharma play for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026?
He is expected to open the batting and provide experience to the team while playing under captain Hardik Pandya.
When will Mumbai Indians play their first match in IPL 2026?
Mumbai Indians will face Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 at Wankhede Stadium.
How did Rohit Sharma perform in the last IPL season?
He scored 417 runs in 14 matches with an average of 32.08 and a strike rate of 150.
