IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma’s bold take on his new role at Mumbai Indians

One of the most successful captains in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Rohit Sharma, has found a new role with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2025 season. After leading the franchise to five IPL titles, Rohit is playing as an Impact Substitute following the team’s decision to hand over the captaincy to Hardik Pandya last season. Despite the captaincy switch, the veteran batter is focused on contributing to the team’s success, and his ultimate goal is to bring the IPL trophy back to the MI franchise.

The side has had a mixed start to their IPL 2025 campaign, winning just one out of their first three games and currently standing in fifth place in the points table. However, slow starts are nothing new for the franchise, and the opener is optimistic about the team’s chances going forward. The veteran batter opened up about how he has adapted to his new role within the team and is happy to contribute to the team’s success in whichever way possible.

"Since I started, things have obviously changed. I used to bat in the middle order; now, I open the innings. I was the captain; now, I’m not. Some of my teammates from our championship-winning seasons are now in coaching roles. So, roles have changed—a lot has changed—but the mindset remains the same. What I want to do for this team has not changed, and that is to go out there and win games and trophies. That is what Mumbai Indians are known for. Over the years, we have won trophies and turned games around from situations no one believed in. That is what MI and Mumbai are all about," Sharma said exclusively on JioHotstar’s special ‘Charcha with Rohit Sharma.'

Moving on from a loss or a low phase isn’t easy: Rohit Sharma

For the 37-year-old, the objective is to win games and trophies for the team. He takes pride in the franchise’s history of turning matches around from impossible situations and believes the team is capable of doing so once again this season. The Nagpur-born cricketer also highlighted the importance of smiling, whether in defeat or victory.

"When we say, ‘Smile—whether we lose or win, we have to smile,’ it may sound simple, but it means a lot. Whatever happens, at the end of the day, you must find a way to smile, be happy, and make peace with it. That’s why, as a team at the Mumbai Indians, we always remind ourselves to move forward, whether we win or lose. Moving on from a loss or a low phase isn’t easy, but how you motivate yourself in those moments and keep a smile on your face matters. Because life doesn’t end here. After a low, the sun will rise again the next day. You have to wake up and find a way to fight another day. If you can move forward with a smile, there’s nothing like it," he added.

The franchise last won the IPL title in 2020. In the previous season, under Hardik's leadership, the team struggled, finishing at the bottom of the standings with just four wins in 14 matches. This year, the Mumbai batting stalwart believes in focusing on team bonding and ensuring a positive environment for both senior players and young recruits.

"When an IPL season ends after two months, and you go back home, you realise you’ve created another family. Playing alongside teammates, creating memories, and winning trophies together—it’s special. I remember after winning the IPL in 2020 in Abu Dhabi, I saw people in tears because we had spent three and a half months together in the bio-bubble, in the same hotel, sharing the same team room. It was hard to leave after forming those bonds," the 37-year-old further continued.

Players like Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya bring so much to the team. It’s our responsibility to ensure the environment is fresh, positive, and welcoming. For example, when Tilak first joined, he was very shy. He would sit quietly in a corner. Now, after three seasons, he has taken on a leadership role, ensuring new players feel at home. I see a lot of energy in the team this year. Since I joined, I have seen a different vibe, especially with the new guys coming in. That’s the essence of Mumbai Indians—everyone contributes, no matter how small, for the team’s betterment," Sharma concluded.