'Rohit Sharma can’t watch 20 overs from the dugout': Ex-India cricketer’s blunt take on MI’s Impact Player strategy

Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the role of Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians, stating that the veteran opener should remain involved for the entire duration of a match rather than being utilised only as an Impact Player in the Indian Premier League.

Sharing his views, the former India opener said that if Rohit is fully fit, it would be more logical for him to take part in the game from start to finish instead of appearing solely as a batting substitute. According to Chopra, limiting a player of Rohit’s calibre to just a few overs with the bat does not maximise his overall contribution to the team.




“Logically, if you are fit, you should play the whole game and not be substituted. Especially when you are batting second, you shouldn't come in as an impact player. An opener is not used to watching 20 overs of the match from the dugout,” Chopra told Jio Hotstar.

Chopra further explained that opening batters generally prepare for a match by staying involved in the game from the beginning, which helps them get into the right mindset before heading out to bat.

“Opening batters are used to staying on the field, preparing accordingly and then hitting the ground running. Rohit Sharma is the fittest, meanest and maybe the strongest at this point in time, so he should be on the ground for all 40 overs. That's actually how Mumbai Indians will be able to make full use of Rohit Sharma,” he added.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also shared a similar opinion, suggesting that Rohit’s experience and leadership qualities make him far too valuable to be restricted to a substitute role. He emphasised that Rohit’s presence on the field could prove crucial for captain Hardik Pandya, especially during pressure situations.

“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. 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,” Harbhajan said.

Rohit, who led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles during his captaincy stint, was frequently used as an Impact Player by the franchise during the 2025 season. The move had sparked debate among fans at the time.

The seasoned opener endured a difficult campaign last year, managing only 240 runs across the tournament. As the new season approaches, Rohit will be keen to turn things around and make a stronger impact with the bat.


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