Hitman to Ro-fit: Rohit Sharma 2.0 augurs well for Mumbai Indians

The last competitive match Rohit Sharma had played before walking out at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night in Mumbai Indians’ Indian Premier League opener was in January. His previous T20 outing had come nearly 10 months ago, when Punjab Kings ended Mumbai Indians’ run in Qualifier 2.

But when Rohit took guard against Kolkata Knight Riders in what turned out to be MI’s highest successful chase in the IPL, the rust lasted all of four balls. Thereafter, until a stunning catch by Anukul Roy ended his 38-ball 78, Rohit rewound the clock, silencing doubters over whether he still possessed the will and skill to thrive in a high-intensity tournament.

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed that Rohit’s sharpness was evident from the start of the pre-season camp. Having joined from day one — a rarity in recent years — Rohit looked fresh and focused, benefiting from simulation matches and practice scenarios designed to get him into rhythm. Jayawardene also lauded Rohit’s opening partnership with Ryan Rickelton, noting the tactical clarity with which the duo paced the 221-run chase.

The signs of renewed sharpness extended beyond batting. Over the last 10 months, Rohit — fondly dubbed ‘Ro-fit’ — has undergone a noticeable transformation, shedding around nine kilograms in three months last year. On Sunday, he fielded throughout KKR’s innings, something he rarely did last season when used as an Impact Player or substituted out, before unleashing an attacking display.

His strike rate of 205 against KKR marked a continuation of a shift in approach over the past two seasons. Since he was replaced with Hardik Pandya as MI captain, Rohit has struck at around 150 in both the 2024 and 2025 editions. The only other seasons where he maintained a strike rate in the 140s were in 2008 and 2015.

Jayawardene attributed the change to freedom from leadership responsibilities. With less pressure and greater clarity, Rohit has relied on experience and muscle memory, a transition the team management has actively encouraged — and one that, on current evidence, appears to be paying rich dividends.