Hardik Pandya vs Rohit Sharma drama 2.0? Mumbai Indians break silence on 'captain’s warning' claim
Published - 14 Mar 2026, 10:03 AM | Updated - 14 Mar 2026, 10:08 AM
Mumbai Indians recently addressed a viral rumor on social media regarding internal tension between skipper Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma. Social media claims suggested that Hardik issued a strict performance warning to Rohit ahead of the IPL 2026 season, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 28.
The BCCI recently announced the official fixtures for the first phase of the season. MI will begin their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium. They will next face the Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Mumbai Indians’ Two-Word Reply to Viral Hardik Pandya ‘Warns’ Rohit Sharma Claim
The viral post stated that Hardik Pandya told the management there would be no tolerance if Rohit Sharma failed to deliver runs this season. The post alleged the franchise was frustrated with Sharma's numbers over the last decade.
It highlighted that he was scoring around 200 to 300 runs per season at a strike rate close to 120, while remaining one of the highest-paid players in the squad.
This claim gained traction online, with fans debating a potential rift between the former captain and the current skipper. Sharma led the team to multiple titles before the leadership baton passed to Pandya.
The Mumbai Indians account on X ended the discussion, quoting the post and replying: "Kuch bhi! 😂".
Kuch bhi! 😂 https://t.co/lEiFBgaEoh pic.twitter.com/SYw1im5Mfi
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 13, 2026
Rohit Sharma’s IPL Record with Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma has been playing in the IPL since the inaugural 2008 season. The veteran batter has played 272 matches and scored 7,046 runs at an average of 29.73 and a strike rate of 132.10, including 47 half-centuries and two centuries.
He remains the leading run-scorer in the history of the Mumbai franchise. The opener has scored 5,876 runs in 227 games at an average of 29.52 and a strike rate of 132.22, including two centuries and 39 half-centuries, with a best score of an unbeaten 109.
The Hardik Pandya-led side will aim to claim their sixth title this season. Their last tournament victory came during the 2020 edition under Sharma's captaincy. The team is focused on the upcoming season following a period of mixed reactions from fans regarding the leadership change.
| Rohit Sharma – IPL 2025 Batting Stats | ||||||||||||
| Season | Team | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| IPL 2025 | MI | 15 | 15 | 1 | 418 | 81 | 29.85 | 149.28 | 0 | 4 | 41 | 22 |
Rohit Sharma Can Do That for Hardik Pandya - Harbhajan Singh
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh shared his views on Rohit Sharma. The commentator urged the management to stop using the player as an impact substitute. Harbhajan stated that his on-field presence provides crucial leadership support.
“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 told JioHotstar.
"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,” he added.
Also read: "I am convinced…" - Sanju Samson’s ODI comeback guaranteed by ex-India head coach
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Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
