Manoj Tiwary Slams MI Over Rohit Sharma’s ‘Impact Player’ Role
The Controversy Over Rohit Sharma’s Tactical Usage
The Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise has found itself at the center of intense scrutiny following another lackluster performance, with former India and Kolkata Knight Riders batter Manoj Tiwary leading the critique. Tiwary has openly questioned the team’s tactical decision-making, specifically focusing on the treatment of former captain Rohit Sharma. According to Tiwary, the decision to consistently utilize the veteran star as an Impact Player—often benching him during the fielding innings—is a massive strategic misstep that defies cricketing logic.
Why Bench an Expert?
Tiwary’s frustration stems from the belief that a player with Rohit Sharma’s tactical acumen and fielding prowess should be on the field at all times. During a recent discussion, Tiwary highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles in the field, including dropped catches that have cost the side dearly. He argued that having an experienced leader like Rohit stationed in the slip cordon would not only secure crucial catches but also provide invaluable on-field guidance to the current captain, Hardik Pandya.
“When you have an experienced player like Rohit Sharma in your camp, who has been captain, then you don’t have to worry about the slip region. Rohit can catch those, right? If Hardik needs help in captaincy, then he can do that as well. So, why is he not being utilized? Why do you make Rohit Sharma sit in the dugout? I am unable to understand that,” Tiwary stated during his analysis.
A Legacy Under Pressure
The transition of power within the Mumbai Indians has been a contentious topic since 2024, when the franchise moved on from Rohit Sharma—the man who led them to five IPL titles—in favor of Hardik Pandya. Since that leadership change, the team has struggled to replicate its former dominance. Aside from a playoff appearance in 2025, MI has largely languished at the bottom of the table, a stark contrast to the glory days under Rohit’s captaincy.
Tiwary believes that the current situation is visibly affecting the former skipper. He noted, “Rohit Sharma is watching his legacy crumble before his own eyes over the last three years, and that is reflected through his expressions as well from the dugout. He knows that if I had been there, I would not have made that decision.”
Reflecting on the Recent Clash with KKR
The criticism arrived in the wake of a disappointing defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. In a match defined by damp conditions and seamer-friendly pitches, MI struggled to gain any momentum. Despite a brave fighting total of 147, the team was unable to defend the score. Notable performers for KKR, such as Manish Pandey—who secured the Player of the Match award with a vital 45-run knock—exposed the vulnerabilities in the current MI setup.
Looking Ahead: A Captaincy Change in 2027?
Given the persistent instability and poor results over the last three years, Tiwary does not foresee the current leadership structure continuing for long. He is confident that the franchise will be forced to undergo a leadership reset. “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 Surya or Bumrah,” he predicted.
The debate surrounding Rohit Sharma’s role is more than just a tactical disagreement; it touches upon the cultural identity of one of the IPL’s most successful franchises. As the Mumbai Indians look toward the future, the management will need to decide whether they continue with their current experimental strategies or return to a model that relies on the proven wisdom of their most decorated leader.
