Rohit Sharma will perform better than Virat Kohli in IPL 2026, claims South Africa GOAT
Published - 28 Mar 2026, 05:33 PM | Updated - 28 Mar 2026, 05:35 PM
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Just before the start of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), former South African bowler Dale Steyn made a huge claim that Rohit Sharma can come out as the leading run-scorer this season.
Rohit Sharma has been out of the T20 format for a while. However, recently we have seen him lose weight for the coming edition of the Indian Premier League when he was trolled on the internet for being overweight.
Can Rohit Sharma be seen in his prime form?
As we are all already aware, Sharma has retired from the Test and T20I formats, completely focusing on the one-day format. Talking about this, Dale Steyn said, “we can see the 2024 World Cup winning captain in his prime form”, which he has shown in the year 2013 by first time surpassing the score of 500 runs, helping MI to their first title.
While speaking to the broadcast, Steyn said Rohit Sharma is looking fit, well prepared, and more focused for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.
"Guns blazing. I think he’s going to come out focused and aggressive, but in a controlled way. It won’t be reckless slogging, it will be cultured, adapted to the conditions. We’re likely to see the best of Rohit Sharma this season," he said.
While speaking to the broadcast, Steyn said Rohit Sharma is looking fit, well prepared, and more focused for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.
"Guns blazing. I think he’s going to come out focused and aggressive, but in a controlled way. It won’t be reckless slogging, it will be cultured, adapted to the conditions. We’re likely to see the best of Rohit Sharma this season," he said.
"You can see it in his physique, and there’s this feeling in the air - cricket is always in the air in India, but now there’s a winning culture Indian cricket is starting to own. The world is noticing it, and India is two steps ahead of everyone else," he added.
Two months to show Rohit Sharma is not less than Virat Kohli
As Rohit has already retired from the 50-over format and T20I format, along with the Run-Machine Virat Kohli. Steyn believes it’s the best time for him to show the world who he is.
"With Rohit not being a permanent fixture in all three formats like before, he’s using the IPL as the perfect stage to showcase his skills and remind everyone he’s still at the top", he said.
"This is his period, two months to show India that he remains among the cream of the crop, alongside Virat and other seasoned players. Opening at Wankhede with Quinton de Kock on the other side, and possibly (Ryan) Rickleton too, Rohit is set to go guns blazing. It’s going to be exciting," he added.
"With Rohit not being a permanent fixture in all three formats like before, he’s using the IPL as the perfect stage to showcase his skills and remind everyone he’s still at the top", he said.
"This is his period, two months to show India that he remains among the cream of the crop, alongside Virat and other seasoned players. Opening at Wankhede with Quinton de Kock on the other side, and possibly (Ryan) Rickleton too, Rohit is set to go guns blazing. It’s going to be exciting," he added.
All Eyes on Rohit Sharma for IPL 2026
Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful players and captains in IPL history, having led the Mumbai Indians to five titles while scoring over 7,000 runs in the tournament. As of the 2026 season, he continues to be a key figure at the top of the order, known for his composed batting, a strike rate of over 132, two centuries, and more than 47 half-centuries, with a highest score of 109*.
In IPL 2025, Rohit endured an inconsistent campaign with the Mumbai Indians, marked by a slow start and a series of low scores before regaining form in the latter half. He accumulated 329 runs in 13 matches at an average of 27.42, including three fifties, with a significant 199 runs coming in just three innings, highlighting his patchy form.
However, after stepping away from two international formats, expectations are high for Rohit to rediscover his best touch in IPL 2026 and lead from the front. With renewed focus, experience, and leadership, he will be crucial to MI’s campaign as they look to start strong against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where fans will be eager to witness a commanding performance from their veteran star.
Also read: Mumbai Indians add Akash Madhwal for IPL 2026 amid suspense over Jasprit Bumrah's availability
However, after stepping away from two international formats, expectations are high for Rohit to rediscover his best touch in IPL 2026 and lead from the front. With renewed focus, experience, and leadership, he will be crucial to MI’s campaign as they look to start strong against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where fans will be eager to witness a commanding performance from their veteran star.
Also read: Mumbai Indians add Akash Madhwal for IPL 2026 amid suspense over Jasprit Bumrah's availability
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