MI should use Rohit Sharma for the full 40 overs in IPL 2026: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian cricketer and now a commentator, Aakash Chopra, believes that cricketer Rohit Sharma should stay on the field for the entirety of a match instead of playing as an Impact Player in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Chopra added that Sharma looks `fitter than ever` as he prepares himself for another IPL campaign.

In 15 IPL 2025 games, Rohit Sharma scored 418 runs at a strike rate of 149.28. Notably, Rohit`s position in IPL 2025 was restricted to that of a batter because the Mumbai Indians frequently employed him as an Impact Player.

Aakash Chopra stated on JioStar that Rohit Sharma ought to play the entire game rather than being utilised as an Impact Player. He clarified that instead of sitting in the dugout for twenty overs, opening hitters are accustomed to being on the pitch and getting ready throughout the game.

“Logically, if you are fit, you should play the whole game and not be substituted. Especially when you are batting second, you shouldn`t come in as an impact player. An opener is not used to watching 20 overs of the match from the dugout. Opening batters are used to staying on the field, preparing accordingly and then hitting the ground running,” Aakash Chopra said.

Chopra added that Rohit is currently in excellent physical condition and believes the Mumbai Indians would benefit more if he remains on the field for the entire 40 overs.

“Rohit Sharma is the fittest, meanest and maybe the strongest at this point in time, so he should be on the ground for all 40 overs. That`s actually how Mumbai Indians will be able to make full use of Rohit Sharma,” he said further.

IPL 2026 to start from March 28 

On March 28, the IPL 2026 season will begin. The first phase of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) will take place from March 28 to April 12, according to the schedule released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 11.

The Mumbai Indians will play their first game on March 29 against the Kolkata Knight Riders, while the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the tournament opener.

(With ANI input)