Rohit Sharma Set to Lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023 Amid Impact Player Debate

As the IPL 2023 season approaches, Rohit Sharma is ready to lead the Mumbai Indians once again. Harbhajan Singh, a former MI player, emphasizes the need for Sharma to be actively involved on the field instead of merely serving as an Impact Player. The Impact Player rule, which allows for strategic substitutions, has sparked discussions about Sharma's role. With a solid performance last season, including over 400 runs, Sharma's experience could be invaluable for MI's success. Discover more about his potential impact and leadership in the upcoming season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 14, 2026, 02:10 IST

Rohit Sharma's Return to IPL

New Delhi, March 13: Rohit Sharma, the captain who has guided the Mumbai Indians (MI) to five IPL championships, is gearing up for the upcoming IPL season, which kicks off on March 28. Harbhajan Singh, a legendary spinner and former MI player, has expressed his desire for Sharma to take an active role on the field rather than just serving as an Impact Player.

The Impact Player rule, introduced in the IPL 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 support for batting or bowling.

During a discussion on JioStar, Harbhajan Singh emphasized the importance of having Rohit Sharma actively participating in matches.

He remarked, "Rohit Sharma has often been utilized as the 12th man who only bats, but given his leadership qualities, he should be on the field."

At 38, Sharma played the majority of his games last season as an Impact Player, with MI finishing fourth in the league standings.

Singh also noted that MI's current captain, Hardik Pandya, could benefit from Sharma's experience when making crucial decisions.

"In challenging matches, when a captain needs support, Rohit Sharma can provide that guidance to Hardik Pandya," Harbhajan added.

In the previous IPL season, Rohit Sharma amassed 418 runs across 15 matches for the Mumbai Indians, with an average of 29.86 and a strike rate of 149.29, including a top score of 81.

He achieved this after a slow start, concluding the season with four scores over 50 and surpassing 7,000 career IPL runs during the eliminator against the Gujarat Titans.