'We understand that winning trophies is not easy' - Rohit Sharma hopeful to win sixth title for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025

After having a slow start to the tournament, the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, secured their first two points with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. This victory now sees them extend their head-to-head record against KKR to 24-11.

Over the years, the Mumbai-based franchise has witnessed many changes, with the most iconic one being when Ricky Ponting stepped down from captaincy midway through the season, handing it to Rohit Sharma in 2013. Under Rohit's leadership, the Mumbai franchise won five IPL titles in eight years. However, with the latest trophy being four seasons back now, the veteran batter is eager to help MI get back its past glory. Despite not being the captain, Rohit is a crucial member of MI’s leadership set-up and is often seen running through the field.

Mumbai Indians have historically been slow starters in the league, and IPL 2025 has been no different. They have won just one of their first three matches and currently sit fifth in the points table. The franchise last won the IPL in 2020 but had a dismal campaign in 2024 under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, finishing at the bottom of the standings with just four wins from 14 games. Rohit, meanwhile, is optimistic about winning trophies but is aware of the fact that it wont be any easy job.

"We understand that winning trophies is not easy. To win the IPL, you have to put in a lot of effort, and many factors need to come together. That’s the challenge of this tournament. You need to win 17 games—it’s almost half a year’s worth of T20 matches, but played in just two months. That is the challenge. There are many boxes to tick before you get to the trophy. Hopefully, we can have a great season with the exciting young players in our squad. My focus is not on just saying ‘we will win trophies,’ but on ensuring we do the right things. If we do that, success will follow," he said exclusively on JioHotstar’s special ‘Charcha with Rohit Sharma.'

Each player adds something different to the team: Rohit

This season, the side has strengthened its squad with experienced international stars. Rohit expressed confidence in the new additions and is excited to play alongside them. He believes that if the whole team plays like a collective unit, then they are expected to make a big impact.

"Guys like Trent Boult, who have been here before, bring a lot of experience and understand MI’s culture. Then we have Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, who adds both experience and class. Players like Will Jacks and Reece Topley bring variety, while Ryan Rickelton is an exciting young prospect. Each of these players adds something different to the team, and when you bring that together as a collective unit, it makes a big impact. We also have several young Indian players with great potential, and I am looking forward to playing alongside them. My immediate goal is to win the IPL trophy and bring the glory back to Mumbai Indians," he added.

Also Check: Do MI need a stronger top-order batter instead of Rohit Sharma?

Meanwhile, MI’s next challenge is against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 4. With a win under their belt the side will be confident going into this game and make it two in two.