Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has put his weight behind Rohit Sharma to be at his absolute best in IPL 2026. Rohit scored 418 runs in IPL 2025 at an average of 29.85 and a strike rate of almost 150.
Rohit has amassed 7046 runs in 272 IPL matches at an average of 29.73 and a strike rate of 132.10, including 47 fifties and two centuries. However, Ashwin noted that Rohit hasn’t delivered consistently in the last few seasons and backed the veteran batter to have a big season in 2026.
Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “I personally think this is going to be a season where Rohit will really take it on. He doesn’t need to play cricket for the whole season. He is getting enough breaks. His mind is fresh. He is physically in a good space. He looks really fit. And I think this could well be a season where Rohit Sharma is going to bring back his T20 batting in the IPL.
“Let’s not forget, Rohit Sharma, the IPL batsman, hasn’t been quite present in the last few years. But this could be a great opportunity for him to really restore that. And I, personally, think he can go on to enjoy his season and do some incredible things for Mumbai Indians this season,” the 39-year-old added.
Ashwin admitted he will be left surprised if the Mumbai Indians don’t finish among the top two teams after the league phase.
He added, “If Mumbai doesn’t make the top 2 this year, it will be a huge upset for me. They have put a gun side together. Mumbai Indians’ worst performance will be qualifying in the top four. The best performance will be qualifying in the top two. Actually, I will rate the best performance if they come first, not even top two.
“There will be stiff competition from RCB, but I think Mumbai Indians will be in the top two this time. If Mumbai Indians are not there in the top two, it means they have chosen bad combinations or they have complicated it for themselves or some other teams have played splendid cricket,” Ashwin concluded.
Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on 29th March.
