Rohit Sharma's Future in IPL 2026: Retention, Release, or Reinvention?

Rohit Sharma. (Photo source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Rohit Sharma has been playing for Mumbai Indians (MI) since the 2011 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The legendary cricketer was roped in by the Mumbai-based franchise for $2 million (INR 9 crore at the time).

Midway through the 2013 season of the IPL, Rohit was named captain of the side. He took over from Ricky Ponting. The Mumbai batter led his team commendably and helped them secure their first title. In the next seven seasons, MI won the coveted IPL title four more times under Rohit's astute leadership.

The legendary batter was removed from captaincy ahead of the 2024 edition of the IPL and replaced by Hardik Pandya. This decision was met with severe criticism as Rohit fans felt that the franchise owners did not give the right-handed batter the amount of respect he deserved.

Since the introduction of the Impact Player rule ahead of IPL 2024, Rohit has been used in the role in most of the games. His tactical expertise has not been used too often by MI when they are fielding. Instead, he has walked out to bat as an Impact Player. However, in some of the games where he has come out to field, Rohit has tried to help his successor Hardik Pandya with his experience.

Rohit Sharma’s Future in IPL 2026: Retention, Release, or Reinvention?

Recently, there were speculations regarding Rohit's future at the franchise. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were one of the teams that reportedly showed interest in acquiring Rohit's services. However, MI confirmed through a cheeky social media post that the three-time champions won't be able to snatch their talismanic batter away from them.

𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 ye toh confirm hai, but at (K)night… मुश्किल ही नहीं, नामुमकिन है! 💙 pic.twitter.com/E5yH3abB4g

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 30, 2025

Now, the question that arises is whether Rohit should be released or retained or will he be able to reinvent himself ahead of the season?

While Rohit scored 400-plus runs in the last two seasons at a strike rate nearing 150. In 2025, he registered four half-centuries. It goes without saying that Rohit should be retained, given his experience as a batter and positive influence on the younger players. The 38-year-old might have left his best years behind him, but he still has a match-winning ability that could hold MI in strong stead.