Rohit Sharma's Fitness Journey Praised by MI Coach Mahela Jayawardene

Mumbai Indians' coach Mahela Jayawardene has commended Rohit Sharma for his commitment to fitness, highlighting his impressive performance in the IPL 2026. Despite limited recent play, Rohit's experience and muscle memory keep him sharp. Jayawardene shares insights on Rohit's off-season training and hopes for his continued success in the tournament. As the Mumbai Indians prepare for their next match against Delhi Capitals, all eyes are on Rohit to maintain his strong start.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 3, 2026, 21:23 IST

Mahela Jayawardene Commends Rohit Sharma's Fitness Efforts

The head coach of Mumbai Indians, Mahela Jayawardene, has expressed admiration for Rohit Sharma's dedication to improving his fitness. He noted that Rohit aimed to reach a fitness level that he felt comfortable with.

In a recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Rohit Sharma delivered an impressive performance, scoring 78 runs off just 38 balls, which included six sixes and six fours. At 38 years old, he has prioritized his fitness as he prepares for the IPL, having last played in an international match during the ODI against New Zealand on January 18.

Jayawardene Highlights Rohit's Off-Season Commitment

Ahead of the upcoming match against Delhi Capitals, Jayawardene praised Rohit for adhering to a structured fitness regimen and engaging in consistent off-season training. He emphasized that Rohit not only focused on his fitness but also honed his skills through practice matches and simulations, fully participating in the team's training camp despite limited competitive play.

"He had a clear plan and vision. Some of our team members joined him in this training to help him achieve a fitness level he was comfortable with. Even without competitive matches, he dedicated time to skill work during the off-season and was actively involved from day one of our camp," Jayawardene remarked.

Experience and Muscle Memory Keep Rohit Sharp

Jayawardene pointed out that Rohit Sharma's extensive experience and muscle memory contribute to his sharpness, even in the absence of recent match play. He observed that Rohit looked in excellent form during net practice, stating, "For someone with such a long career, muscle memory plays a crucial role. Players like him adapt well to game situations, even without recent competitive experience. I could see he was in good shape while batting in the nets."

The MI coach also noted Rohit's impressive hand speed and strong start in IPL 2026, expressing hope that he would maintain this level of performance. "His hand speed was remarkable, and it was a solid beginning for him in the first game. We hope he can keep this momentum going," Jayawardene added.

Currently, the Mumbai Indians are positioned fourth in the IPL 2026 standings following their victory over KKR and are set to compete against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.