Watch: “Let’s keep…”- Rohit Sharma delivers special speech on completing 15 years with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026

It was Ricky Ponting during the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the 2013 season when he handed over the leadership to Rohit Sharma in the middle of the event, and that turned out to be the best decision for the franchise in the history of the tournament. They got their maiden trophy of the season and went on to win five more titles in the next seven years. 

Rohit Sharma is no longer the captain of the side, with the management shouldering the responsibility on Hardik Pandya. But the former’s legacy continues as he completes 15 years with the franchise, having joined them from the Deccan Chargers.

Rohit Sharma’s speech on 15 years with the MI family goes viral

Rohit, who cut a special cake two days before their IPL 2026 encounter against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, has thanked all the members for making the day special.

“Guys, thank you so much for making it so special. Thanks, Polly, Hardik, Surya, Shardul, Malli, coach, and also the rest of y'all. Thank you so much. It couldn't have been what it is for me without the effort of all of you guys. This is a very special team, a very special franchise, and very special people involved in this team.” Rohit expressed in a video posted by the franchise.

Watch the video here: 

The Nagpur-born also thanked Aakash and Nita Ambani, the owners of the side, for their incredible support, along with all the coaches for standing with him in tough situations.

“Yes, we won 5 trophies, but obviously we all know that it is not possible without the effort of the entire team who is involved in making this franchise so special. I also, obviously, Akash is not here, bhabhi is not here, but I sincerely want to thank them as well for you know putting that support behind me because their support obviously was very much needed at that point for me to grow as a captain, grow as a player in this franchise.” The World Cup-winning captain addressed.

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“I wouldn't have learnt the art of being a leader if it were not for this franchisee. Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank for that. A lot of people helped me grow into that leadership role, and also now as a player as well, you know, there's been immense support from everyone.’ Rohit concluded.

Rohit Sharma’s contribution for MI in IPL

Rohit has scored overall 7164 runs in 270 innings of the IPL at an average of under 30 and a strike rate of 132.56, thanks to two centuries and 48 half-centuries. Out of these, his 6267 runs came for Mumbai Indians, making him the leading run-getter of the franchise. 

Rohit’s best season with the bat came in 2016 and 2015 when he cracked 489 and 482 runs. In 2024, 2025, and 2024, he crossed the 400-run mark with a strike rate of 150, respectively. In 2026, he had 118 runs in three innings, and the MI franchise hopes to see the veteran showing his dominance throughout the season.