Rohit Sharma's IPL Journey: Was This His Last Match? Fans Raise Questions After Mumbai Indians' Exit

After Mumbai Indians crashed out of IPL 2025 following a heartbreaking defeat to Punjab Kings in Qualifier-2, all eyes are now on Rohit Sharma. The legendary opener could only manage 8 runs in the crucial match and looked far from his best. This has triggered speculation among fans and cricket pundits alike — was this the last time Rohit Sharma played an IPL match?

Poor Show in Crucial Match

In the do-or-die Qualifier-2, Rohit Sharma once again failed to deliver with the bat. Although he was given a lifeline early in his innings, he couldn’t capitalize on it and was dismissed cheaply. This is in stark contrast to his performance against Gujarat Titans, where he scored a blazing 81 runs after surviving two early chances.

Mumbai's defeat not only ended their hopes of clinching a record sixth IPL title, but also cast a shadow over the future of one of their most iconic players.

Rohit’s Changing Role in Mumbai Indians

Since Hardik Pandya took over the captaincy this season, Rohit Sharma's presence on the field has become increasingly limited. He has primarily played as an Impact Player, coming in only to bat. His absence from the field and reduced role throughout the season has added to the growing belief that IPL 2025 may have been his final season.

Adding to the speculation is Rohit’s recent retirement from Test cricket, which he announced on May 7, in the middle of the IPL season. He had already stepped away from T20 Internationals after India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. As things stand, Rohit Sharma will now only be available for ODI cricket, making his future in the IPL all the more uncertain.

Rohit's IPL 2025 Performance

Despite limited opportunities in the field, Rohit Sharma still made a decent impact with the bat this season:

• Matches played: 15

• Runs scored: 418

• Average: 29.85

• Half-centuries: 4

• Strike Rate: Consistently above 135

• Milestone: Became the first Indian to hit 300 sixes in IPL history

These stats prove that the veteran still has something to offer with the bat. However, concerns around his fitness and reduced on-field involvement raise questions about whether he can continue playing in a fast-evolving T20 format.

Rohit Sharma’s IPL Legacy

• Total IPL matches: 272

• Total runs: 7046

• Centuries: 2

• Fifties: 47

• IPL titles as captain: 5 (most by any captain alongside MS Dhoni)

• Sixes hit: 300+

Rohit has been Mumbai Indians' backbone for over a decade. His leadership transformed MI into a powerhouse, and his records speak volumes about his contribution to the IPL.