Rohit Sharma’s IPL 2025 Slump Raises Questions Over Mumbai Indians’ Investment and His Place in the XI But his childhood coach unbothered by Failure
After leading India to their second ICC title in nine months, expectations were high for Rohit Sharma in IPL 2025. However, after five matches for Mumbai Indians (MI), the former captain’s form has been a major concern. Rohit has managed just 56 runs in five innings at an average of 14, failing to cross the 20-run mark even once. He’s yet to face more than 12 balls in a single innings this season, with scores of 0, 8, 13, 17, and 18. His dismissals have often come after getting starts but failing to convert, and he’s struggled particularly against left-arm pace, a recurring issue in his IPL career.
Rohit’s struggles extend beyond this season. In his last 10 IPL innings, he has scored only 154 runs, with just one half-century and six single-digit scores. This poor run has hurt MI’s campaign, as the team has failed to get solid starts, impacting their ability to chase or set big totals. The franchise’s decision to retain Rohit for ₹16.30 crore is now under scrutiny, especially after removing him as captain in favor of Hardik Pandya.
Despite the criticism, Rohit’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad remains unconcerned, attributing the slump to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. Lad believes that if Rohit were failing in ODIs or Tests, it would be a greater worry, but in T20s, even the best can have lean patches. Still, with MI failing to qualify for playoffs since 2021 and finishing last in 2022 and 2024, pressure is mounting. If Rohit doesn’t find form soon, MI may be forced to make tough decisions regarding his place in the XI.
Rohit remains on the cusp of history, needing 372 runs to become only the second player to reach 7,000 IPL runs, but unless his form improves, both his legacy and MI’s season could be at risk.