Former South Africa speedster Dale Steyn backed Rohit Sharma to have one of his best Indian Premier League seasons when the tournament gets underway on Saturday, March 28.
Rohit’s best IPL season came in 2013, when he scored 538 runs from 19 matches, helping Mumbai Indians win their first title. It remains the only season in which he has crossed 500 runs.
Steyn said the former MI captain will combine focus and aggression with control this IPL, showcasing his best cricket while thriving in India’s growing winning culture. He also lauded Rohit for transforming his physique.
Since stepping away from Test cricket in 2025, the 38-year-old Rohit has focused heavily on fitness, with his sights set on the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“Guns blazing. I think he’s going to come out focused and aggressive, but in a controlled way. It won’t be reckless slogging, it will be cultured, adapted to the conditions. We’re likely to see the best of Rohit Sharma this season,” Steyn told the broadcasters on Friday.
“You can see it in his physique, and there’s this feeling in the air – cricket is always in the air in India, but now there’s a winning culture Indian cricket is starting to own. The world is noticing it, and India is two steps ahead of everyone else,” Steyn added.
‘THIS IS ROHIT’S PERIOD’
For India, Rohit is only an active cricketer in ODIs, having already retired from Tests and T20Is. Steyn said Rohit can use the IPL to showcase his skills and remind everyone he remains among the best.
“With Rohit not being a permanent fixture in all three formats like before, he’s using the IPL as the perfect stage to showcase his skills and remind everyone he’s still at the top.
“This is his period, two months to show India that he remains among the cream of the crop, alongside Virat and other seasoned players. Opening at Wankhede with Quinton de Kock on the other side, and possibly (Ryan) Rickleton too, Rohit is set to go guns blazing. It’s going to be exciting,” Steyn added.
Mumbai Indians are set to begin their IPL campaign on Sunday, March 29, against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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