MI Coach Addresses Rohit Sharma's 'Impact Player' Role Criticism

• Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene responded to criticism regarding Rohit Sharma's 'Impact Player' role in IPL 2025.
• Rohit was frequently substituted last season, playing primarily as a specialist batter, which drew questions from Aakash Chopra.
• Jayawardene stated Rohit had 'niggles' last year, necessitating management, but still made a 'huge impact'.
• The coach expressed a desire to keep Rohit on the field more in IPL 2026.
• Jayawardene hinted at continuing to use the Impact Player rule to give captain Hardik Pandya more bowling options, noting Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav are not all-rounders.