Manoj Tiwary Slams MI Over Rohit Sharma’s ‘Impact Player’ Role, Predicts New Captain for IPL 2027

The Mumbai Indians’ recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have drawn sharp criticism, with former India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Manoj Tiwary vocally expressing his dismay. Tiwary has specifically targeted the MI think-tank for what he perceives as a profound underutilization of former captain Rohit Sharma, particularly concerning his role as an ‘Impact Player’. His comments, made after MI’s recent defeat to KKR, highlight deeper strategic flaws and raise significant questions about the franchise’s leadership decisions.

The KKR Clash: A Contextual Backdrop

Tiwary’s pointed remarks came on the heels of Mumbai Indians’ loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in a rain-affected encounter at Eden Gardens. On a damp pitch conducive to bowlers, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends. Mumbai’s innings began tumultuously, with Cameron Green dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Naman Dhir in the third over. Left-arm seamer Saurabh Dubey further compounded MI’s woes, removing both Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav within the powerplay, leaving the five-time champions reeling at 46/4.

Despite efforts from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya, Mumbai struggled to build momentum. KKR’s spin maestro, Sunil Narine, delivered a typically frugal spell, conceding just 13 runs from his four overs and claiming the crucial wicket of Pandya, who managed 26 runs off 27 balls. Varma’s cautious knock of 20 runs from 32 balls was ended by Kartik Tyagi. It was Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 32 that provided MI with a somewhat respectable, yet challenging, total of 147.

Chasing 148, KKR’s innings also faced early jitters. Deepak Chahar dismissed Finn Allen in the very first over. Manish Pandey, making his season debut at number three, weathered the initial storm and forged a vital 38-run partnership with Rahane. Bosch returned to the attack to remove both Rahane and Cameron Green in quick succession, reigniting MI’s hopes. However, Pandey continued to anchor the chase, forming a crucial 64-run stand with Rovman Powell. Though Pandey was eventually dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah after a match-winning 45 runs from 33 balls, Powell, Tejasvi Dahiya, and Rinku Singh comfortably guided KKR to victory. Pandey was deservingly awarded the Player of the Match.

The ‘Impact Player’ Conundrum: Rohit Sharma’s Underutilization

Following the match, Tiwary spoke to Cricbuzz, expressing his strong disapproval of Rohit Sharma’s frequent absence from the field, often being substituted as an Impact Player. Since his removal from captaincy in 2024, the strategy of swapping Rohit in or out has become a common tactic for MI, occurring in the majority of their matches. This practice, Tiwary asserts, is a significant misstep by the Mumbai Indians management.

The core of Tiwary’s criticism lies in the invaluable experience and leadership qualities that Rohit Sharma brings. Tiwary highlighted the irony of an experienced captain, capable of guiding the team and excelling in crucial fielding positions, being sidelined. His statements underscore a perceived failure by MI to fully harness the strategic acumen and on-field presence of one of cricket’s most respected leaders.

Fielding Woes and a Leadership Void

Tiwary specifically pointed to Mumbai Indians’ fielding lapses as a direct consequence of Rohit Sharma’s absence from the field. He observed instances of misfields and dropped catches, which he believes an experienced player like Rohit would have converted. “MI are keeping the wrong players in the wrong position on the field for fielding. Today, we saw Corbin Bosch at slip dropping a catch, then, before that, Naman Dhir also dropped one against PBKS,” Tiwary stated, emphasizing the recurring nature of the problem.

He continued by reiterating his stance: “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, right?” Tiwary also suggested that Rohit’s presence could offer crucial support to current captain Hardik Pandya. “If Hardik needs help in captaincy, then he can do that as well. So, why is he not being utilised? Why do you make Rohit Sharma sit in the dugout? It is truly difficult to comprehend,” Tiwary questioned, highlighting a potential leadership vacuum on the field that Rohit could easily fill.

A Tarnished Legacy: MI’s Captaincy Decisions Under Scrutiny

Beyond the immediate tactical errors, Manoj Tiwary also expressed profound concern regarding the Mumbai Indians’ decision to strip Rohit Sharma of captaincy, accusing the franchise of tarnishing his legacy. Before IPL 2024, MI controversially traded in Hardik Pandya from the Gujarat Titans and appointed him as captain, replacing the five-time IPL-winning skipper.

Tiwary drew a stark contrast between MI’s historical success under Sharma’s leadership and their performance since the change. Under Rohit, Mumbai Indians lifted the IPL trophy five times, establishing themselves as one of the most dominant franchises. However, the team finished 10th in 2024, only managing to make the playoffs in 2025. This year, the team is once again on track for a dismal finish, likely in the bottom two. Tiwary lamented, “Rohit Sharma is watching his legacy crumble before his own eyes over the last three years, and that is reflected through his expressions as well from the dugout. He knows that if I had been there, I would not have made that decision. Even back then, it was clear that removing him was the wrong call, and the results are evident now.”

The Future of MI Captaincy: A Bold Prediction for IPL 2027

Given Mumbai Indians’ consistent underperformance and the perceived strategic missteps, Manoj Tiwary made a bold prediction about the future of the team’s leadership. He firmly believes that a change at the helm is inevitable, perhaps as soon as IPL 2027. “They have just qualified once in the last 3 years. So, it is absolutely certain that a new captain will be seen next season, whether it be Surya or Bumrah,” Tiwary declared, naming Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah as potential candidates to take over the leadership role.

Tiwary’s comprehensive critique serves as a significant commentary on the state of affairs within the Mumbai Indians camp. His observations underscore a growing sentiment among cricket pundits and fans alike that the franchise’s strategic decisions, particularly concerning their most decorated player, are having a detrimental impact on team performance and potentially undermining the rich legacy built over years of success.