Manoj Tiwary Slams Mumbai Indians Over Rohit Sharma Impact Player Usage

The Tactical Misstep: Why Rohit Sharma Should Be on the Field

The Mumbai Indians (MI) are currently navigating a turbulent period in their illustrious history, and the management’s handling of former captain Rohit Sharma has become a focal point of intense scrutiny. Former Indian cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders batter Manoj Tiwary has publicly questioned the MI think-tank for their persistent decision to utilize Sharma as an ‘Impact Player’ rather than a mainstay on the field.

Tiwary’s critique emerged following a challenging outing for Mumbai Indians at the Eden Gardens. On a damp pitch favored by bowlers, MI struggled to find their rhythm, managing a modest total of 147 after a batting collapse against the KKR attack. While the match results highlighted technical gaps in the squad, it was the strategic exclusion of Rohit Sharma from the defensive lineup that drew the most fire.

The Impact Player Dilemma

The Impact Player rule has transformed IPL strategy, but Tiwary believes MI has grossly misused it regarding their veteran star. By rotating Sharma in and out of the lineup, the team often keeps him in the dugout while the opposition bats. Tiwary argues that this is a tactical blunder. “MI are keeping the wrong players in the wrong position on the field. Today, we saw Corbin Bosch at slip dropping a catch. When you have an experienced player like Rohit Sharma in your camp, who has been captain, you don’t have to worry about the slip region. Rohit can catch those, right?” he remarked.

The argument extends beyond fielding prowess. Tiwary emphasizes that Sharma’s value lies in his tactical acumen. He suggests that if current captain Hardik Pandya requires assistance on the field, Sharma’s presence is an invaluable resource that remains currently underutilized.

Tarnishing a Legendary Legacy

The narrative surrounding the Mumbai Indians took a drastic turn in 2024 when the franchise opted to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain. Since that transition, the team’s performance has been inconsistent at best. After finishing at the bottom of the table in 2024 and experiencing a brief resurgence in 2025, the five-time champions are again struggling in the current campaign.

Tiwary did not mince words regarding the emotional toll this has taken on the veteran. “Rohit Sharma is watching his legacy crumble before his own eyes over the last three years. Even back then, I had said that removing him was the wrong call, and you can see the results now,” Tiwary noted. He pointed out that Sharma’s expressions in the dugout reflect a player who understands that the team’s decision-making process has significantly deviated from the championship-winning standards he established.

Looking Ahead: A Predictable Change?

Given the persistent struggles of the Mumbai Indians, Tiwary offered a bold prediction for the future of the franchise. He believes that the current leadership structure is unsustainable and that a change is inevitable before the 2027 season. “They have just qualified once in the last 3 years. So, I am 200 percent sure that we will see a new captain next season, whether it be Suryakumar Yadav or Jasprit Bumrah,” he asserted.

As the IPL season progresses, the pressure on the Mumbai Indians management will only mount. Whether the team chooses to rethink their strategy regarding Sharma or continues on their current path remains to be seen. However, voices like Tiwary’s suggest that the frustration among fans and former players regarding the treatment of one of India’s greatest captains is reaching a boiling point. The management faces a critical juncture: they must decide if they are willing to prioritize short-term tactical experiments over the experience and stability that a leader like Rohit Sharma brings to the fold.

Ultimately, the questions raised by Tiwary echo a wider sentiment in the cricketing world—that legends of the game deserve to be treated with a level of respect that allows them to contribute their expertise where it matters most: on the field of play, guiding the team through the heat of the battle.