Rohit Sharma won five IPL titles as captain of Mumbai Indians in an 11-year leadership stint Rohit Sharma has been under scrutiny for his poor form in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and his struggles so far in 2025 are consistent with a downward trend in the competition over the past three years. The former Mumbai Indians captain, who still leads India's white-ball teams, has scored 82 runs in six innings at an average of 13.66. The opener's 26 from 16 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday was his highest score this season, and with three sixes he showed some glimpses of a return to form before another soft dismissal off Pat Cummins. "He's finding it very hard to be consistent," former IPL batter Abhishek Jhunjhunwala told BBC Sport. Rohit's run drought has also mirrored his own team's form, as Mumbai have struggled to find a consistent winning combination - they are seventh in the table with three wins from seven. However, this is unique to Rohit in the IPL specifically as he is still having plenty of success internationally with a T20 World Cup win in 2024 and the Champions Trophy title last month. He is also a Mumbai legend having led them to five titles in 11 years as captain, while he is set to have a stand named after him at the iconic Wankhede stadium. But with that success and status comes immense expectation. BBC Sport and CricViz data analyst Soham Sarkhel have looked at the numbers behind Rohit's decline, and what he and Mumbai could do next. Rohit's average in the IPL is 29.30, but since 2022 he averages 22.89at the top of the order. That is the second-lowest of the 21 openers to play 20-plus innings. He averages 13.66 in six matches this season - and it is 12.89 if you add the final three games of 2024. His form in T20 internationals hasn't declined in the same way. Since the start of 2022 he averages 29.34 in T20Is compared to 22.89in the IPL as an opener. Rohit's best returns in the IPL have come at five (average of 33.11) and four. (average of 32.7). That drops to 27.74 as an opener, with him only averaging more than 30 in 2016 and 2024 (min five innings). Rohit Sharma has been dismissed in the six-over powerplay in all six of his innings in the 2025 IPL Against pace in the six-over powerplay his average has dropped from 36.47 to 24.39 since 2022. He has only survived past the powerplay in 12 of his 36 IPL innings since the start of 2023 and is yet to bat outside the powerplay this year. The right-hander used to be a 'balanced' player with 51% of runs in that phase scored on the leg side, but that has climbed to 59%. That could contribute to a decline in his numbers against outswinging deliveries and a rise against inswingers. Before 2022 he averaged 27 against inswingers and close to 50 against outswingers but since then, those numbers are 44 and 19. He used to average 63 against outswingers from right-arm pacers in the powerplay, now it is 16. Between 2014 and 2021 Rohit was out seven times to left-arm seamers and averaged 28.85. Since 2022 he has been dismissed eight times and averages 22.37. It equates for 24% of the balls he has faced too, up from 13%. Rohit is also struggling against spin. He averages 15.33 since 2022, down from 34.68. There is a particular weakness against leg-spin, which he averages 7.88 against since 2022. The sweep shot is also getting him into trouble. He used it just 7% of the time between 2014 and 2021 and was out eight times. That was climbed to 21% of deliveries since 2022 and he has been dismissed six times, at an average of 15.5. That's a trend in all formats with Rohit's last 30 sweep shots across all formats seeing him dismissed seven times, at an average of seven. Mumbai's most recent IPL title came in 2020, having also won the previous year, and Rohit was replaced as skipper by Hardik Pandya in 2024 - but in the all-rounder's first edition in charge, they finished bottom of the table. Rohit's legendary status with the side is likely to earn him a longer run in order to solve his personal batting problems, but it could present the Mumbai hierarchy with a brave call to make if he cannot regain form - and if the team maintains its inconsistency, too. "There is a lot of pressure on him, especially when he's playing for India," Jhunjhunwala added. "In the IPL, they are ruthless as we've seen with so many players, and we've seen that with Mumbai Indians. "There will be patience with him, especially at Mumbai, because he's done brilliantly for them over the years. "He's still got it. I just feel that he's maybe lost a bit of hand-eye coordination and that can happen, but your career can really go down quite quickly. He's got to work on a lot of things, especially his fitness." Former England bowler Tymal Mills, who played with Rohit at Mumbai in 2022, also backed him to rediscover his best form and described him as "a nightmare for bowlers" when in full flow. "He's one of the most experienced players in the world, he has been there and done it at the highest level for a very long time," Mills told BBC Sport. "He will stick to his processes, he will hit a lot of balls. You'll always see him going to training early and getting his extra work done before everyone else arrives. "When you have played as long as Rohit has, you're going to go through bad spells. Players of his class always re-emerge. "He has earned the right to get a long leash because he's had such a successful career and been a nightmare for bowlers." Mills also questioned whether being the impact sub - which Rohit has been in five of his six games, including three times when batting second - was a "hindrance" because it could "take you a bit longer to get into the game".
An average of 13.66 - is Rohit on the decline?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rohit Sharma's IPL Struggles Raise Questions About Form and Future"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Rohit Sharma, a pivotal figure in Indian cricket and former captain of the Mumbai Indians, is currently facing significant scrutiny due to his alarming decline in form during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the past three years, his performance has been on a downward trajectory, with a dismal average of 13.66 from six matches in 2025, which marks a stark contrast to his historical averages. Despite showing flashes of his former brilliance, such as a 26-run innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rohit has struggled with consistency and has been dismissed in the powerplay of every match this season. The Mumbai Indians, his team, are also experiencing difficulties, sitting seventh in the league standings with just three wins out of seven matches, further compounding the pressure on Rohit as both a player and a leader. His batting average in the IPL has notably dropped to 22.89 since 2022, making him one of the least effective openers in the league based on performance metrics.
Despite his struggles in the IPL, Rohit has maintained a strong presence in international cricket, having recently led India to victory in the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. However, the disparity between his international success and IPL performance raises questions about his current form. Analysts have pointed out that Rohit’s batting against pace and spin has significantly deteriorated, particularly against outswingers and leg-spin, where his averages have plummeted. Former players and analysts, including Tymal Mills and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, have commented on the immense pressure Rohit faces, both from his own expectations and the ruthless nature of the IPL. While Rohit’s legendary status within the Mumbai franchise may afford him some leeway, the call for change could arise if his form does not improve and the team remains inconsistent. Ultimately, Rohit must work diligently on his fitness and technique to regain his place as a dominant force in the league, as his storied career hangs in a delicate balance between past accomplishments and present challenges.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article addresses the performance decline of Rohit Sharma, a prominent figure in cricket and a captain with a storied history in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It highlights his recent struggles, contrasting them with his historical successes, and raises questions about his future in the sport. This analysis will explore the implications of the article, the public perception it aims to cultivate, and its overall credibility.
Purpose of the Article
The focus of this article seems to be on generating concern over Rohit Sharma's current form, particularly in the IPL. By citing statistical evidence of his performance decline and comparing it with his international success, the article aims to provoke discussion among fans and analysts regarding whether this decline is a temporary blip or a sign of a more significant issue impacting his career.
Public Perception
The narrative constructed around Rohit Sharma may lead to a perception that he is no longer the formidable player he once was in the IPL. This could create anxiety among fans of the Mumbai Indians and the Indian national team, potentially affecting their support for him. Moreover, by highlighting his struggles, the article might also inadvertently invite scrutiny towards the broader performance of the Mumbai Indians as a team.
Information Omission
While the article focuses heavily on Rohit's IPL performance, it does not delve into the possible reasons behind this decline, such as team dynamics, opposition strategies, or the pressures of leadership. There may be an intention to simplify the narrative around his performance, focusing solely on numbers without the context that could lead to a more nuanced understanding.
Manipulation Assessment
The article contains elements that could be seen as manipulative, particularly in how it juxtaposes Rohit's IPL struggles against his international successes. This could lead readers to draw exaggerated conclusions about his overall ability. The language used emphasizes decline and struggle, which can provoke a more emotional response than a factual one.
Credibility of the Article
The article uses statistics and expert commentary to support its claims, which provides a degree of credibility. However, the selective nature of the information presented raises questions about its completeness. Without a broader context, the analysis might lead to skewed perceptions of Rohit's abilities and contributions.
Community Reaction
Sports enthusiasts and cricket fans are likely to engage with this article, especially those invested in Rohit Sharma's career. Fans of the Mumbai Indians, in particular, may feel a sense of disappointment or concern, while supporters of rival teams might take the opportunity to criticize him.
Economic Impact
The performance of star players like Rohit Sharma can have implications for franchise valuations and sponsorship deals in the IPL. If his struggles continue, it could affect ticket sales, merchandise, and the overall perception of the Mumbai Indians brand.
Global Context
While the article primarily focuses on Rohit Sharma's performance, it indirectly reflects broader themes in the sports world, such as the pressures athletes face and how public and media scrutiny can shape their careers. This resonates with ongoing discussions about mental health and performance in sports.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
It is plausible that AI could have been employed in data analysis or trend identification within the article. However, the writing style appears human-generated, focusing on narrative and emotional engagement rather than purely data-driven insights.
In conclusion, this article raises important questions about Rohit Sharma's current performance and its implications for his career, the Mumbai Indians, and the IPL. While it offers valuable statistics and insights, it also risks creating an overly simplistic narrative that could influence public perception unfavorably. The overall portrayal leans towards sensationalism, making it crucial for readers to approach the content critically.