Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons Mumbai Indians’ management did not do the right thing in using Rohit Sharma as an Impact Player in the previous season. Kaif said Rohit’s presence on the field also helps the young bowlers in executing their plans.

The former UP batter suggested Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya looked clueless in the second qualifier against Punjab Kings when Shreyas Iyer scored a blistering knock of 87 runs off just 41 balls in the run-chase of 204.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “One thing that they did wrong last year was Rohit Sharma not being on the ground. I don’t think Rohit should be used as the Impact Player. He has won five IPL trophies, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the T20 World Cup as captain. Hardik Pandya will handle things well, but when Shreyas Iyer was hitting sixes after sixes in the Qualifier 2 last year, Hardik Pandya couldn’t understand what to do.”

Kaif reckons if Rohit Sharma had been present on the field, he could have guided the MI bowlers on the right track.

“Ashwani conceded 50-60 runs in that match. During crunch situations, when the bowler is ready to bowl, and Rohit Sharma is standing next to him, there is a sigh of relief. The eye contact, or explaining something with a smile on his face, makes a lot of difference. Rohit Sharma has won so many matches by talking to the bowlers. He was a bowler’s captain.”

Kaif said Hardik Pandya should be vocal regarding Rohit Sharma’s presence on the field in IPL 2026.

“I would like to see Hardik Pandya himself tell the head coach or the bosses that he wants Rohit Sharma on the field. He needs someone to talk to in crunch moments. Yes, Suryakumar Yadav is there, and he is also a World Cup-winning captain, but Rohit Sharma’s experience will be very important,” he elaborated.

RCB will begin their IPL defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on 28th March.