Rohit Sharma Resurgence Reshapes IPL 2026 Playoff Race, Says Sunil Gavaskar After MI Win

Form, timing, and intent - when they align for Rohit Sharma, the ripple effect extends far beyond a single result. After Mumbai Indians chased down 229 against Lucknow Super Giants, Sunil Gavaskar believes the bigger story isn't just the win, it's what Rohit's form could mean for the rest of the Indian Premier League season.

If this version of Rohit continues, Gavaskar suggests, Mumbai won't just climb - they could disrupt the playoff ambitions of multiple teams.

Rohit Sharma reset: From anchor to aggressor

Gavaskar pointed to a clear shift in Rohit's approach over the past year, one that has gathered momentum in IPL 2026.

"I have been watching Rohit Sharma closely over the last year. Ever since he was removed as captain in white-ball cricket and the IPL, he has focused more on his batting. He scored runs in the ODI series against Australia, did well in home series, and now he is doing the same in the IPL," Gavaskar said on Star Sports' 'Amul Cricket Live'.

What stands out isn't just the volume of runs, but the intent behind them. Rohit has always been capable of giving Mumbai quick starts, but there's now a visible push to extend those starts into defining innings.

"In the IPL, he usually scores 400 to 500 runs a season, but his knocks are often impactful. He may not have many 80-plus innings, but his 40 to 50-run starts give his team early momentum. The change in his game is clear: he now wants to bat deeper and leave a bigger impact."

Against Lucknow, that evolution translated into an 84-run knock built on control and range. The pull shot was back in rhythm, short balls were dispatched with authority, and fuller deliveries were driven through the off side with ease.

"In this 84-run knock, we saw all the typical Rohit Sharma shots. The pull shot was on display. Short balls disappeared into the stands. Full deliveries were driven through the cover region. He also lofted long off with ease."

It wasn't just about strokeplay - it was about intent sustained across phases.

Why this form changes the playoff equation

Mumbai's campaign has been inconsistent, but Rohit's resurgence introduces a new variable in a tightly packed table.

"If he continues this form, Mumbai Indians will hurt the playoff hopes of many teams in the remaining matches."

That's the underlying shift. Mumbai are no longer just chasing qualification - they are becoming a side capable of influencing how the rest of the table shapes up.

Jasprit Bumrah searching for rhythm

While the batting clicked, Gavaskar also flagged concerns around Jasprit Bumrah, suggesting the fast bowler is overcomplicating his approach.

"Bumrah is giving his best, but he seems to be trying too many extra things."

There have been visible signs - no-balls, slight drop in pace, and lengths that haven't quite hit their usual precision.

"He is creating wicket-taking chances, but luck is not on his side. His pace has also dropped. His go-to slower ball length has become fuller. The line that used to target the stumps is now drifting to leg stump."

For Gavaskar, the solution is straightforward: return to simplicity.

"He should go back to his basics and stick to what works best for him. Trying new things is affecting his rhythm and luck isn't helping either."

LSG's 228 and where the game slipped

From a Lucknow perspective, the defeat will be difficult to process. A total of 228, especially after a strong start, should have been enough.

"228 is a big total, no doubt about it. LSG's batting, which has struggled all season, finally clicked against MI."

There were contributions across the order, but the inability to sustain pressure with the ball proved decisive.

"But LSG's bowling let them down. Their bowling has been a strength this season, but not in this game."

Gavaskar also questioned selection decisions, particularly the absence of a key bowling option.

"I believe Digvesh Rathi should have played instead of M Siddharth... Leaving him out was a big mistake."

The bigger picture: timing over consistency

At this stage of the IPL, form arriving late can be as valuable as dominance early. Mumbai's win wasn't just about chasing 229 - it was about rediscovering clarity at the top and exposing the margins that decide games.

For Mumbai, that shift begins with Rohit Sharma. And if his current form holds, the playoff race may not just be about who qualifies - but about who can avoid running into them at the wrong time.