Rohit Sharma’s Resurgence: Shaun Pollock Hails MI Skipper’s Revival as IPL’s ‘Coolest’ Comeback
In the high-octane drama of the IPL 2025, few stories have captured the imagination quite like the resurgence of Rohit Sharma. After a tepid start to the season, the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain has roared back to form, steering his team to four consecutive victories and into the coveted top four of the points table. As MI’s playoff hopes intensify, it’s Rohit’s bat that’s doing the talking, earning high praise from former South African pacer Shaun Pollock, who dubbed this turnaround the ‘coolest’ resurgence of the week.
Rohit’s journey this season mirrors a classic redemption arc. Initially struggling with the bat, the seasoned opener managed a mere 82 runs in his first six matches, with dismal scores of 0, 8, 13, 17, 18, and 26. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Sharma flipped the script with back-to-back half-centuries against heavyweights Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. This isn’t just a statistical recovery; it’s a statement of intent. As Pollock noted on Cricbuzz, ‘First time he’s got back-to-back fifties in nine years — the last time was in 2016. He’s produced at the right time for Mumbai, and if he carries on, it’s going to give them a real big chance.’
What makes Rohit’s revival stand out is the ripple effect on MI’s batting lineup. Pollock emphasized the sheer game-changing impact of Sharma’s form, especially at the top alongside rising star Ryan Rickelton. ‘If he just has that extra performance, the legend of Rohit Sharma adds impetus. He’s got so much power, so much lethal hitting in the top and middle overs — if he fires, it changes the game,’ Pollock said. Indeed, Rohit’s ability to dominate the powerplay overs, with a career IPL strike rate of over 130, has often set the tone for MI’s most memorable victories.
Adding to the optimism is Rohit’s return to full fitness. After missing brief spells in earlier matches due to minor injury niggles, the MI skipper was back to contributing in the field for the entire quota of four overs in recent games. This resilience, coupled with his renewed hunger at the crease, paints a formidable picture for MI as they gear up to face Lucknow Super Giants at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. With five wins in nine matches, Mumbai Indians are not just peaking at the right moment but look more dangerous than ever with their talisman firing on all cylinders.
As the IPL 2025 playoff race heats up, Rohit Sharma’s resurgence is a reminder of why he’s considered one of the game’s greatest white-ball batsmen. With over 6,000 IPL runs and a legacy of leading MI to five titles, his ability to turn personal setbacks into collective triumphs continues to inspire. For now, fans and pundits alike will watch eagerly to see if this ‘coolest’ comeback can propel Mumbai Indians to yet another championship glory.