Manoj Tiwary Slams MI Over Rohit Sharma’s ‘Impact Player’ Role
The Tactical Debate Surrounding Rohit Sharma
The Mumbai Indians (MI) campaign in the ongoing Indian Premier League season has been fraught with controversy and tactical head-scratching. Among the most vocal critics of the franchise’s current strategy is former India and Kolkata Knight Riders batter Manoj Tiwary. Following a difficult defeat against KKR at the Eden Gardens, Tiwary did not mince words regarding how the five-time champions are utilizing their former talisman, Rohit Sharma.
At the heart of the critique is the frequent use of Rohit Sharma as an ‘Impact Player,’ a role that often sees the veteran restricted to the dugout for large portions of the game. Tiwary believes this is a fundamental error in judgment that undermines both the team’s fielding standards and its tactical decision-making process.
Fielding Lapses and Strategic Neglect
Tiwary pointed to specific fielding blunders as evidence that the team is failing to leverage the experience available to them. During the match against KKR, Corbin Bosch missed a catch at slip, a mistake that adds to a growing list of fielding issues for the Mumbai outfit. Tiwary argues that having someone as experienced as Rohit in the side is not just about batting; it is about his proven ability to handle pressure in the field.
“MI are keeping the wrong players in the wrong position on the field,” Tiwary noted during his analysis on Cricbuzz. “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?” The former cricketer emphasized that Rohit’s tactical acumen could also serve as a vital support system for current skipper Hardik Pandya, who has faced significant pressure since taking over the reins.
The Legacy Under Scrutiny
The shift in leadership within the Mumbai Indians has been a major talking point since Hardik Pandya was traded back from the Gujarat Titans to replace Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2024 season. Since that transition, the franchise’s performance has been inconsistent, to say the least. While they managed to reach the playoffs in 2025, their overall trajectory has been one of struggle, with the team currently languishing near the bottom of the table.
Tiwary expressed deep concern over the erosion of Rohit’s legacy. “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,” Tiwary remarked. He remains firm in his belief that the decision to remove Rohit as captain was a strategic mistake that continues to haunt the franchise’s results.
Looking Toward 2027
Given the current state of affairs and the clear frustration emanating from both the fans and former players, speculation regarding the future of the Mumbai Indians’ leadership is intensifying. Tiwary, reflecting on the last three years of struggle, predicted a significant overhaul for the 2027 season. He firmly believes that the franchise will be forced to look in a different direction for leadership.
“I am 200 percent sure that we will see a new captain next season, whether it be Suryakumar Yadav or Jasprit Bumrah,” Tiwary added. With the team on track to finish in the bottom two for another consecutive season, the pressure on the current management to revert to a more stable and experienced leadership model is mounting.
A Look Back at the Eden Gardens Clash
The match that sparked these comments saw KKR dominate on a damp pitch. After electing to bowl first, KKR’s bowlers wreaked havoc, with Cameron Green and Saurabh Dubey dismantling the MI top order. Despite a fighting total of 147, largely bolstered by Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 32, MI were unable to defend their score. Manish Pandey, playing his first game of the season, anchored the KKR chase with a match-winning 45, effectively highlighting the shortcomings in the Mumbai Indians’ tactical approach on the day.
As the season progresses, the questions surrounding the utilization of Rohit Sharma are unlikely to vanish. Whether the management chooses to integrate him more deeply into the team’s core operations or continues with the current rotation strategy remains to be seen. However, for critics like Tiwary, the path forward is clear: success in the IPL requires leveraging the absolute best, most experienced minds, rather than leaving them sitting on the sidelines.
