In the 2025 season, Rohit Sharma, one of the most successful captains in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, has found a new position with the Mumbai Indians (MI). After the squad decided to give Hardik Pandya the captaincy last season, Rohit, who led the team to five IPL titles, is now playing as an Impact Substitute. The experienced hitter is committed to helping the squad succeed despite the change in command, and his ultimate objective is to win the IPL title again for the MI team.
The team is now in fifth place in the points table after having a shaky start to their IPL 2025 campaign, winning only one of their first three games. The organisation has a history of poor starts, though, and the opener is upbeat about the team’s prospects moving ahead. The seasoned hitter talked candidly about how he has adjusted to his new position on the squad and is delighted to help in any way he can.
“Obviously, things have changed since I began. I begin the innings now, but I used to bat in the middle order. I am no longer the captain. I currently coach with some of my colleagues from our championship-winning seasons. Therefore, although a lot has changed in terms of positions, the mentality has not.
Going out there and winning games and trophies is still what I want to accomplish for this squad. Mumbai Indians are renowned for that. We have won trophies and saved games from circumstances that no one thought were possible over the years. “That is the essence of MI and Mumbai,” Sharma stated exclusively on JioHotstar’s “Charcha with Rohit Sharma” special.
It’s difficult to go on after a loss or a difficult time: Rohit Sharma
Winning games and trophies for the team is the 37-year-old’s goal. He is proud of the franchise’s track record of salvaging games from overwhelming odds, and he thinks they can do it again this season. The cricket player, who was born in Nagpur, also emphasised the value of smiling in both winning and losing situations.
“Smiling—whether we win or lose, we have to smile,” may seem like a simple statement, but it has deep meaning. In the end, you have to find a way to be joyful, smile, and accept whatever has happened. For this reason, whether we win or lose, the Mumbai Indians team always reminds itself to keep going.
It’s difficult to move on from a loss or a difficult time, but how you encourage yourself and maintain your positive attitude during those times important. Because this is not the end of life. The sun will rise again the following day after a low. You must find a way to get up and face another day. Nothing compares to moving forward with a smile,” he continued.
In 2020, the team last took home the IPL championship. Under Hardik’s direction, the squad had a difficult season the year before, finishing last in the standings with just four victories in 14 games. The Mumbai batting mainstay for season is committed to fostering team unity and creating a supportive atmosphere for both seasoned players and newcomers.
“You recognise you’ve started a new family when an IPL season concludes after two months and you return home. It’s unique to play with teammates, make memories, and take home prizes together. We had spent three and a half months together in the same hotel, in the same team room, in the bio-bubble, and I recall seeing people crying after we won the IPL in 2020 in Abu Dhabi. After creating such ties, it was difficult to go,” the 37-year-old added.
The team benefits greatly from the contributions of players like Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma. It is our duty to make sure the atmosphere is friendly, upbeat, and fresh. Tilak, for instance, was extremely shy when he first arrived. He would take a seat in a corner and be quiet. Three seasons later, he has assumed a leadership position, making new players feel welcome.
This year, I see a lot of vitality on the team. I’ve noticed a change in the atmosphere since I joined, particularly with the new men joining. Everyone makes a contribution, no matter how minor, to the team’s improvement, which is the essence of the Mumbai Indians,” Sharma said.
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