The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, has been coming in as an Impact Player in recent games during IPL 2025, leading to discussions among fans and some experts on just how little surface time he has had on the field. The former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, a current cricket consultant, revealed the issue: Rohit has had a niggle since the Champions Trophy and is trying to manage it well.

Jayawardene, who has been very close with Rohit during his stint with the Mumbai Indians, stated that the approach to use him as an Impact Player is a decision being made as it is a means of reducing the physical toll on him. “Rohit has been playing with a slight niggle, which he picked up in the Champions Trophy. It's not a serious injury, but the management is being careful to make sure he is fit to play in bigger tournaments coming up,” Jayawardene mentioned.

From a management standpoint, by applying the Impact Player rule, the Indian team and management can maintain the batsman's contributions with the bat without having to put much more physical load through fielding. His contributions will certainly be valued, while at the same time not compromising his condition. In effect, this has allowed an ongoing injury to be managed by using the Impact Player rule, which was developed to allow the teams to hydrate their player combinations but has now become a means of managing workloads, especially for senior players with minor injuries.

A Tactical Shift for Longevity

Jayawardene also stressed that Rohit's inclusion, even as an Impact Player, is of enormous value to the side. His laid-back captaincy, strategic input, and opening experience are central to India's plan of play. "Rohit is an integral part of the setup. Even when he is not in the field, his batting and captaincy still set the tone for the team," Jayawardene further pointed out.

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With a crowded cricket schedule in front of it, featuring the T20 World Cup and important bilateral series, India is obviously thinking long-term with its captain. Keeping Rohit fit now may be the difference between short-term risk and long-term reward. The team management's cautious approach to the situation shows a balance between competitive necessity and long-term planning.