Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene commended Rohit Sharma’s dedication and readiness for their match against Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Despite limited recent match practice, Sharma showcased his skills with a remarkable 38-ball 78 against Kolkata Knight Riders in their first game at the Wankhede Stadium. Jayawardene highlighted Sharma’s meticulous training regime and focus on fitness, which contributed to his stellar performance.
At a practice session in the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Rohit Sharma, looking lean, spent over an hour batting and facing bowlers. Jayawardene acknowledged Sharma’s strategic approach and the hard work he put in during the off-season to maintain his fitness levels. Sharma’s active participation in practice matches and simulations during Mumbai Indians’ camp was instrumental in helping him find his rhythm and excel in the opening game.
Mahela Jayawardene emphasized that despite limited competitive cricket, Rohit Sharma’s vast experience and muscle memory played a crucial role in his performance. Observing Sharma’s form in the nets, Jayawardene noted his sharp hand speed and positive mindset, setting a strong foundation for the tournament. Jayawardene expressed confidence in Sharma’s ability to maintain his form and contribution to the team’s success in the challenging IPL season.
Shedding light on Sharma’s unique preparation compared to other Indian players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Yadav, who were actively involved in international cricket, Jayawardene highlighted Sharma’s tailored fitness and skill development plan. While other players were part of the Indian setup and received continuous monitoring, Sharma’s approach involved a personalized fitness regimen followed by skill enhancement sessions at Mumbai’s training facility. Jayawardene underscored the importance of individualized preparation based on players’ national team commitments and the role of franchises in supporting players during their off-season training.
