Jayawardene torn between Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav for Impact Player slot: 'I want to keep him on the field'

Mahela Jayawardene explained why Rohit Sharma was largely used as an Impact Player last season due to fitness niggles.

Updated on: Mar 17, 2026, 18:45:47 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Mahela Jayawardene has indicated a shift in plans for Rohit Sharma ahead of IPL 2026, with the Mumbai Indians coach keen to use him actively on the field rather than in a limited Impact Player role like last season. Rohit was largely restricted to batting duties in 2025, sparking debate over his fitness. However, the veteran opener appears to have put in significant work during the off-season and now looks in prime condition, ready to contribute across phases. Though he has stepped away from T20Is, Rohit continues to be a key figure in the MI setup, bringing experience, leadership, and firepower at the top.

Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav are the only two specialist batters in MI line-up (IPL/BCCI)

Jayawardene explained why Rohit was largely used as an Impact Player last season due to fitness niggles, while outlining his intent to have the veteran on the field more regularly in IPL 2026.

“Rohit, the way we managed him last year, obviously he had a few niggles as well, so you just needed to manage that. And the thing is he’s still making a huge impact on the team, whether he’s on the field or not. But definitely this year I want to keep him on the field as much as I can," Jayawardene said at an event.

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The Sri Lanka batting great further shed light on the tactical side of things, explaining how the use of the Impact Player and on-field combinations often depend on bowling rotations, all-rounder flexibility, and the demands of different match situations.

"When we’re rotating the bowlers or using the Impact Player – at which point that impact comes in, the timing and all that – if the other players need to be on the field… because if you look at it, most of our guys are all‑rounders and they do bowl as well. So if the captain needs that option on the field, it’s something I have to look at and discuss depending on the opposition we’re playing," he added.

Rohit and SKY only two specialist batters in MI line-up

The MI head coach also highlighted the selection dilemma posed by his all-round-heavy squad, explaining that the availability of multi-skilled players often forces tough calls on batting specialists like Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav.

"And because [the Impact Player] is bowling as well, he’s put his hand up and said, ‘I’m available,’ so I can’t take him out. The two guys who are not all‑rounders at the moment are Rohit and Surya, so that leaves me with that decision‑making process. We’ll see how it goes," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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