Former England captain Michael Vaughan was critical of Mumbai Indians (MI) opener Rohit Sharma’s recent poor form in IPL 2025. The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that Rohit might struggle to retain his spot in the Mumbai Indians playing XI after his third consecutive low score in the tournament.
The 37-year-old has gotten off to a poor start in IPL 2025, managing just 0 and 8 in his first two matches. Rohit had a chance to regain his form with MI needing just 117 for victory in their third match against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, he was dismissed by Andre Russell for just 13 runs off 12 balls.
You’re Probably Losing Your Place in the Side – Michael Vaughan on Rohit Sharma
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Michael Vaughan stated that Rohit Sharma is not playing as a batter, as he is no longer the captain. Vaughan stated that Rohit would be dropped from the playing XI for his underwhelming numbers.
“You look at his numbers, you’ve got to remember, we’re judging Rohit just as a batter now, because he’s not the captain. Now, I think you can get away with average numbers, and they’re average numbers.”
“If your name’s not Rohit Sharma, you’re probably losing your place in the side at some stage with those numbers. They’re not good enough for a player like Rohit Sharma,” Vaughan told Cricbuzz.
I Cannot Cope with Those Numbers – Michael Vaughan
Vaughan added that Rohit’s leadership and strategic thinking played a crucial role in the past. The former cricketer said that the focus should now be on Rohit’s batting performance, as he is no longer in the captaincy role. He added that runs are needed to retain his place in the playing XI.
“But if he’s the captain as well, and he’s adding his knowledge of being a leader, the culture creator that he is, tactician that he is, and I see it on a regular basis with India, and I’ve seen it with Mumbai in the past, I cannot cope with those numbers. But when you’re just the batter now, that’s how we have to judge Rohit Sharma because he isn’t the captain. He needs runs,” Vaughan added.
I’m Not Going to Drop Him – Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan said that he wouldn’t drop Rohit Sharma from the Mumbai Indians side. However, Vaughan said that it was time for Rohit to find his rhythm and return to his best form.
“I’m not saying that they’ll get rid of him. I’m not going to drop him. Come on, get us off to a start. Get your flow back, get your rhythm back, get your mojo back. Because for Mumbai to go and put right what they’ve not done right in the first two games, it does require that senior core to produce,” said Vaughan.
Rohit has been inconsistent with the bat in recent IPL seasons. He managed to surpass the 400-run mark only once in the last five editions. The batter scored 417 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.08 and a strike rate of 150 during the last season.
He scored a century against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. Before that, he had crossed 400 runs in a season was in 2019. His performances were underwhelming despite leading India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Also read: Rohit Sharma’s End Game narrated by fellow Mumbai cricketer
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