IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan Suggests Usage Of Rohit Sharma As Impact Player.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that Mumbai Indians might use Rohit Sharma as an Impact Player in IPL 2026, although he would prefer to see him on the field, contributing with his leadership and experience. The tournament is set to begin on March 28, with Mumbai scheduled to face Kolkata Knight Riders the following day. During the 2025 season, Rohit was often used as an Impact Substitute.

Irfan Pathan’s Thoughts On Usage Of Rohit Sharma. 

Speaking on his own You Tube channel, Irfan Pathan felt the team could continue with the same approach although he personally would like to see Rohit more on the field.

Irfan Pathan said: “The key will be his mindset and how Mumbai Indians utilize it. Last year, he was used very effectively as an impact player, and I believe it is very important for him to stay on the field. On the field, he can assist the captain and his mind is always working as a leader. MI can use him as an impact player. But when you have a player who has been a successful captain and has won trophies, you should make maximum use of him. Bring him onto the field and leverage his leadership to the fullest.” 

The 41-year-old further stated that Rohit had a decent outing in the 2025 season, scoring 418 runs at an average of 29.85 and a strike rate of 149.28, including four fifties, and will look to build on that in the upcoming season.

Irfan Pathan said: “In the 2025 season, Rohit Sharma’s strike-rate improved, his average went up, and his performances were much better, and he also scored big runs. He will bring that positive into this season. Rohit Sharma’s batting is crucial for the team because when you watch him in the IPL, you know he’s a much better player than this. Whatever he did last year, he will look to take it even further.” 

Overall, Rohit has scored 7,046 runs in 267 innings at an average of 29.73 and a strike rate of 132.09 including 47 fifties and two centuries.

Irfan Pathan Lavishes Praise on Tilak Varma. 

In the same video, Irfan Pathan noted that Tilak Varma has developed into a powerful hitter against fast bowling, and if he plays regularly at No.3, the upcoming season could be a breakthrough season for him.

Irfan Pathan said: “Another factor that I think will be very important is Tilak Varma. Tilak Varma has developed into a fast bowling hitter, and because of that, I believe he will have a big impact for Mumbai Indians, provided he is played regularly at number three. If that happens, this could be his breakthrough season. When a player’s confidence and performance graph rises, especially by playing in different positions, it allows you to get the best out of him, which will also be very beneficial for the team.” 

So far, Tilak Varma has played 54 IPL matches, scoring 1,499 runs at an average of 37.47 with a strike rate of 144.41 including eight fifties.

We have to wait and watch as to how Mumbai Indians deal with both Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma. But both are in stupendous form and are ready to roar in the tournament. They would like to hit the ground running. Rohit would want to take the field and not be impact player, while Tilak will want to make a big impact in this tournament. If he does well, it is the breakout year that he will be wanting badly.

The stage is set for IPL 2026 to begin a week from coming Saturday on 28th of March, the extravaganza begins in Bengaluru where Royal Challengers Bengaluru takes on Sunrisers Hyderabad. The match is set to start at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday 28th of March.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan Reckons Virat Kohli To Be Determined And Help RCB Win Again.