'Leverage Rohit Sharma's leadership to fullest': Irfan Pathan tells Hardik Pandya

As Mumbai Indians (MI) gear up for the upcoming IPL 2026, Rohit Sharma has returned to the headlines. Rohit Sharma is one of the biggest names in the world’s biggest franchise league, but the big question is whether Mumbai Indians (MI) will again use him as an impact player.

In the last season, the former Mumbai captain mainly played as an impact player as he was rested during the fielding to manage long-term injury niggles. Yet, the Hitman managed 418 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 149.28 and helped the MI to take the Qualifier 2.

Irfan Pathan wants Rohit Sharma on the field in IPL 2026

Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that the five-time champions could continue the same formula. But he also feels Rohit Sharma should stay on the field because his experience and calm mind can help the team in pressure moments.

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Irfan Pathan said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “The key will be his mindset and how Mumbai Indians utilize it. Last year, he was used very effectively as an impact player, and I believe it is very important for him to stay on the field. On the field, he can assist the captain, and his mind is always working as a leader. I can use him as an impact player. But when you have a player who has been a successful captain and has won trophies, you should make maximum use of him. Bring him onto the field and leverage his leadership to the fullest.”

Why Mumbai Indians need Rohit Sharma?

The cricket pandit further noted that Rohit’s strike rate and average improved, and even his performances were much better in the last season. Pathan added that the former Indian captain’s batting is crucial for the team, and he will look to make more impressions in the 2026 season.

Rohit Sharma's overall IPL record also reminds everyone of his class. Rohit has scored 7,046 runs in 267 innings, with 47 fifties and two centuries. Additionally, Rohit led the MI to five titles.

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This could be his breakthrough season: Irfan Pathan's prediction for Tilak Varma

Irfan also pointed out that Tilak Varma will be one of the key players for the MI in the upcoming season. He feels Tilak could become one of the biggest game-changers for the franchise if he gets regular chances at number three, and he can be even more dangerous in the middle order.

Pathan further said, “Another factor that I think will be very important is Tilak Varma. Tilak Varma has developed into a fast-bowling hitter, and because of that, I believe he will have a big impact for the Mumbai Indians, provided he is played regularly at number three.

If that happens, this could be his breakthrough season. When a player’s confidence and performance graph rise, especially by playing in different positions, it allows you to get the best out of him, which will also be very beneficial for the team.”

Notably, the Mumbai Indians will open their IPL 2026 campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.