Rohit Sharma Set to Make Impact in IPL 2024 Amid Calls for On-Field Leadership

As the IPL 2024 season approaches, Rohit Sharma is preparing to return to the field, with Harbhajan Singh urging him to take an active role rather than serving as an Impact Player. The Impact Player rule, introduced in 2023, allows for strategic substitutions during matches. Harbhajan believes Sharma's leadership experience is crucial for MI's current captain, Hardik Pandya, especially in high-pressure situations. Last season, Sharma scored 418 runs, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly to the team's success. Discover more about Sharma's performance and the upcoming season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 14, 2026, 00:18 IST

Rohit Sharma's Return to IPL

Rohit Sharma, who has successfully guided the Mumbai Indians (MI) to five Indian Premier League (IPL) championships, is gearing up for the upcoming IPL season, which kicks off on March 28. Harbhajan Singh, the iconic Indian spinner and former MI player, has expressed his desire for Sharma to take an active role on the field rather than serving as an Impact Player.

Understanding the Impact Player Rule

The Impact Player rule, introduced in the IPL in 2023, permits teams to replace one player from the starting eleven with one of five designated substitutes at any moment during a match. This strategic addition allows the substitute to bat and bowl their complete overs, enhancing team tactics, increasing scoring potential, and providing specialized batting or bowling support.

Harbhajan's Perspective on Rohit's Role

During a discussion on JioStar, Harbhajan Singh emphasized the importance of having Rohit Sharma on the field. He remarked, "Rohit Sharma has often been utilized as the 12th man who primarily bats, but given his leadership qualities, he should be actively participating in the game." Last season, the 38-year-old Sharma primarily played as an Impact Player, contributing to MI's fourth-place finish in the points table.

Support for Captain Hardik Pandya

Harbhajan also highlighted that MI's current captain, Hardik Pandya, could greatly benefit from Sharma's experience during critical moments in matches. He stated, "In challenging situations, when a captain needs guidance, Rohit Sharma can provide that support to Hardik Pandya."

Rohit Sharma's IPL 2023 Performance Recap

In the previous IPL season, Rohit Sharma accumulated 418 runs across 15 matches for the Mumbai Indians, with an average of 29.86 and a strike rate of 149.29. His highest score was 81, and he concluded the season with four scores exceeding 50, surpassing 7,000 career IPL runs during the eliminator against the Gujarat Titans.