Mumbai Indians responded to a claim on social media that Rohit Sharma’s place in the playing XI is under major doubt ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
A social media user had claimed that skipper Hardik Pandya had warned the former captain that lack of runs will not be tolerated in the 19th edition.
‘HARDIK PANDYA REPORTEDLY WARNS ROHIT SHARMA AHEAD OF IPL 2026 Hardik Pandya has informed the management that there will be no tolerance this time if Rohit fails to deliver. The MI management is very frustrated with Rohit’s performances over the last 10-12 years, as he has often scored only around 200-300 runs per season and that too at a strike rate close to 120, despite being one of the highest-paid players in the squad,’ a social media user wrote on X.
Mumbai Indians Rubbish Claim
However, the claim was immediately rubbished by the official account of the franchise. ‘Kuch bhi (Anything),’ wrote MI with a GIF of Hardik.
Mumbai Indians Eye 6th Title
MI will look to end a five-year wait and win their sixth IPL title this time around. The franchise last lifted the trophy in 2020. In this period, MI appointed Hardik as captain post his trade deal from Gujarat Titans in 2024, which led to Rohit’s removal, who had captained them for a decade and led them to each of their five IPL trophies.
In Hardik’s debut season leading the five-time champions, MI finished last on the table. However, they reached the playoffs last year and defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) in the eliminator. However, they lost to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the second qualifier and failed to reach the final.
Rohit’s batting form has been a concern, as he has not scored 500 runs in a season since 2013. Last year, he made 418 runs in 15 matches at an average of 29.86 with four half-centuries to his name.