Manoj Tiwary Slams MI Over Rohit Sharma’s ‘Impact Player’ Role

A Tactical Blunder or Strategic Necessity?

The Mumbai Indians (MI) find themselves in a precarious position during the current Indian Premier League season. As the five-time champions struggle to find consistency, former India and Kolkata Knight Riders batter Manoj Tiwary has launched a stinging critique of the franchise’s management. The core of his frustration lies in how the team is utilizing former captain Rohit Sharma, particularly his recurring role as an ‘Impact Player’ rather than a mainstay on the field.

The Impact Player Controversy

Tiwary’s remarks followed a challenging match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. On a damp, seaming surface that favored the bowlers, MI’s batting lineup struggled to find rhythm. While the team’s tactical decisions were under the microscope, Tiwary focused his attention on the absence of Rohit Sharma during the fielding innings. He argued that keeping a veteran with such immense tactical acumen in the dugout is a missed opportunity.

“MI are keeping the wrong players in the wrong position on the field for fielding,” Tiwary remarked. “When you have an experienced player like Rohit Sharma in your camp, who has been captain, then you don’t have to worry about the slip region. Rohit can catch those. If Hardik needs help in captaincy, he can do that as well. So, why is he not being utilised? Why do you make Rohit Sharma sit in the dugout?”

A Legacy Under Pressure

The transition of power within the Mumbai Indians has been one of the most talked-about storylines in recent IPL history. Following the decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain before the 2024 season, the team has faced significant turbulence. Under Rohit’s leadership, the franchise secured all five of their IPL titles, a golden era that Tiwary believes is currently being tarnished.

Tiwary expressed deep concern over the visible frustration on Rohit’s face as he watches the team’s performances from the sidelines. “Rohit Sharma is watching his legacy crumble before his own eyes over the last three years,” he noted. “He knows that if he had been in charge, he would not have made those decisions. Even back then, I said that removing him was the wrong call, and you can see the results now.”

Looking Toward 2027

The numbers do not paint a flattering picture for the current leadership. After a tenth-place finish in 2024 and a playoff appearance in 2025, MI remains at risk of finishing in the bottom two of the table this season. For a franchise of such high standards, this lack of consistency is difficult to digest.

Given the current trajectory, Tiwary is convinced that the Mumbai Indians will be forced into another leadership overhaul in the near future. Predicting the shift for the 2027 season, he stated, “They have just qualified once in the last three years. So, I am 200 percent sure that we will see a new captain next season, whether it be Suryakumar Yadav or Jasprit Bumrah.”

Match Analysis: KKR vs MI

The match that sparked these comments was dominated by bowlers at Eden Gardens. KKR’s decision to bowl first proved tactical brilliance, with Cameron Green and Saurabh Dubey dismantling the MI top order early. Despite a fighting total of 147 provided by Corbin Bosch and lower-order contributions, MI struggled to defend the score. Manish Pandey, earning Player of the Match honors with a crucial 45-run knock, anchored the chase for KKR alongside Rovman Powell, leaving the Mumbai dugout reflecting on yet another missed opportunity to climb the ladder.

As the season progresses, the discourse surrounding the Mumbai Indians will likely remain centered on their leadership structure. Whether the franchise chooses to address these concerns or continues with their current setup remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the cricket world are fixed on how the five-time champions navigate this difficult chapter.