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Rohit Sharma’s influence at Mumbai Indians continues to resonate, even among players who have since moved on from the franchise. Former MI spinner and current Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler Rahul Chahar has described the veteran opener as a leader who instilled confidence and calmness in his teammates. In an interview with Filmygyan, Chahar highlighted Rohit’s ability to handle pressure situations and support younger players. “The amount of confidence Rohit Sharma gives to a bowler is something very important. I think that’s what makes a true leader having trust in his players,” Chahar said. The 26-year-old recalled how Rohit’s gestures on the field often helped him recover after setbacks. “If he ever feels that I’m under pressure, like when a six is hit off my bowling, he comes to me, puts his hand on my shoulder, and says something random not even about cricket just to make me relax, like ‘chill, it’s fine,’” he explained. Chahar also shared a memory from a high-stakes semi-final against Delhi, where he struggled with his performance. “I still remember once, against Delhi in a semifinal match, I was hit for 30 runs in two overs. After the game, he came to me and said, ‘Come on, you lead the team.’ That’s his way of giving confidence to a player—something I will never forget,” he added.
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Reflecting on Rohit’s transition out of captaincy at Mumbai Indians, with Hardik Pandya taking over, Chahar termed it a natural phase. He described it as a “life goes on” moment, emphasising that the key was ensuring that nobody held grudges within the squad. Rohit, who joined MI in 2011 and went on to win five IPL titles as captain, remains one of the most important figures for the franchise and a source of inspiration for younger cricketers.
