Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra wants Rohit Sharma to stay on the field for the entire duration of a T20 match rather than being used as an Impact Player by the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2026 season, starting March 28.

Chopra argued that utilizing a fully fit Rohit as an Impact Player—where he only bats—limits his overall value to the team.

“Logically, if you are fit, you should play the whole game and not be substituted. Especially when you are batting second, you shouldn’t come in as an impact player. An opener is not used to watching 20 overs of the match from the dugout," Chopra told Jio Hotstar.

Chopra explained that opening batters are accustomed to being involved in the game from the start, while also noting that Rohit is "the fittest, meanest and maybe the strongest at this point in time," making his exclusion from fielding illogical.

“Opening batters are used to staying on the field, preparing accordingly and then hitting the ground running. Rohit Sharma is the fittest, meanest and maybe the strongest at this point in time, so he should be on the ground for all 40 overs. That’s actually how Mumbai Indians will be able to make full use of Rohit Sharma," he added.

This sentiment was echoed by former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, who stated that Rohit's experience is crucial for supporting current captain Hardik Pandya in tough, high-pressure moments on the field.

“Rohit Sharma has been used as the 12th man who just bats, but I feel that the kind of leader he has been, a player like him should be on the field. In tough matches, when you need to take certain calls, when a captain sometimes needs a shoulder to lean on, Rohit Sharma can do that for Hardik Pandya," Harbhajan said.

During the IPL 2025 season, Mumbai Indians utilized Rohit Sharma primarily as an Impact Player, which drew criticism from fans and experts. He amassed 329 runs in 13 matches, with a highest score of 81, and experienced a mix of form and inconsistency.