Ashwin Forecasts Dominant IPL 2026 for Rohit Sharma, Backs Mumbai Indians for Top Finish
Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, backing star batter Rohit Sharma to overcome his recent struggles and deliver a standout performance. Ashwin believes this could be the season where Sharma "really takes it on" against bowlers, attributing his potential success to improved fitness and mental freshness.
Rohit Sharma's IPL Journey and Recent Form
Rohit Sharma, the second-highest run-getter in IPL history with 7,046 runs in 272 matches, has faced criticism for not living up to his marquee status in recent years. His last 450-plus run season was in 2016, when he scored 489 runs, and his best remains 538 runs in 2013. Since 2016, he has had only three seasons with over 400 runs, accumulating 3,172 runs in 129 innings at an average of 26.00, with one century and 18 fifties.
Last season, Sharma managed 418 runs in 15 innings at an average of 29.86 and a strike rate of 149.29, including four fifties. However, Ashwin sees a turnaround ahead, noting Sharma's retirement from T20Is and Tests, which allows him to focus solely on the IPL as a one-format player.
Ashwin's Analysis and Predictions
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed confidence in Sharma's ability to rediscover his T20 batting prowess. "I personally think this is going to be a season where Rohit will really take it on. He does not need to play cricket for the whole season. He is getting enough breaks. His mind is fresh. He is physically in a good space. He looks really fit. And I think this could well be a season where Rohit Sharma is going to bring back his T20 batting in the IPL," Ashwin stated.
He emphasized that Sharma has not been at his best in the IPL recently but sees this as an opportunity for redemption. "Let us not forget, Rohit Sharma, the IPL batsman, has not been quite present in the last few years. But this could be a great opportunity for him to really restore that. And I, personally, think he can go on to enjoy his season and do some incredible things for Mumbai Indians this season," he added.
Mumbai Indians' Prospects and Team Strength
Ashwin also weighed in on Mumbai Indians' (MI) chances this season, predicting a top-two finish for the five-time champions. He called it a "huge upset" if MI fails to secure a top-two spot, given their strong squad. The team features a blend of experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Quinton de Kock, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult, alongside in-form stars such as Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, and Mitchell Santner.
"If Mumbai do not make the top 2 this year, it will be a huge upset for me. They have put a gun side together. The Mumbai Indians' worst performance will be qualifying in the top four. The best performance will be qualifying in the top two. Actually, I will rate the best performance if they come first, not even top two," Ashwin elaborated.
Competition and Final Thoughts
While acknowledging that defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) could pose tough competition, Ashwin remains optimistic about MI's ability to finish high in the points table. He concluded that any failure to achieve a top-two position would likely stem from poor team combinations or exceptional performances by other teams.
Mumbai Indians are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 in Mumbai, with all eyes on Rohit Sharma to lead the charge and validate Ashwin's predictions.
