Rohit is yet to register a 600-plus run season in the cash-rich league.
While the IPL 2026 is still a long way away, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has remarked that a major challenge awaits Rohit Sharma in the upcoming season.
Rohit is yet to register a 600-plus run season in the cash-rich league, unlike Virat Kohli, who has enjoyed prolific campaigns with the bat over the years.
The former Mumbai Indians skipper came closest to the milestone back in 2013, when he aggregated 538 runs — still his best-ever IPL season as a batter.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif reflected on Rohit's individual performances in the IPL, highlighting that while the veteran opener has done wonders as captain, his batting numbers haven’t matched elite run-scorers like Kohli.
"We talk about Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, but Rohit Sharma has not scored 700-800 runs in a season. In the IPL, he gets points for captaincy and experience, but when you compare him with Virat Kohli or some other batter, he doesn't score 600-700 runs. He scores in one or two matches and becomes the Man of the Match," Kaif said.
Rohit has recently worked on his fitness, shedding weight and showcasing his commitment to remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup. Having retired from T20Is and Tests, the 38-year-old has one-format player at the international level and remains active in the IPL.
Kaif believes Rohit will be keen to make a statement in the 2026 edition of IPL. "So, the biggest test for him this time is to cross the 500-run or 600-run mark. Sai Sudharsan scored 750 runs this time. So, Rohit Sharma would also want to score around 600 runs because he has gotten lean and is in good form. He will be very hungry for runs in this IPL," he added.
Rohit Sharma will next be in action during the three-match ODI series against South Africa at home, starting November 30 in Ranchi.