Dale Steyn predicted a strong IPL 2026 season for Rohit Sharma, highlighting his improved fitness and controlled aggression ahead of the Mumbai Indians’ campaign.
Former cricketer Dale Steyn has predicted a strong IPL 2026 season for Rohit Sharma. The tournament will begin on March 28. Steyn believes the Mumbai Indians batter is well prepared this year. He expects Rohit to play with better focus and control.
Steyn also highlighted the growing winning culture in Indian cricket. He feels India currently stays ahead of other teams in world cricket.
“Guns blazing. I think he’s going to come out focused and aggressive, but in a controlled way. It won’t be reckless slogging, it will be cultured, adapted to the conditions. We’re likely to see the best of Rohit Sharma this season,” he said.
“You can see it in his physique, and there’s this feeling in the air – cricket is always in the air in India, but now there’s a winning culture Indian cricket is starting to own. The world is noticing it, and India is two steps ahead of everyone else,” Steyn added.
Rohit’s best IPL season came in 2013. He scored 538 runs in 19 matches that year. It remains his only season with over 500 runs. That campaign also helped Mumbai win their first title.
Notably, Rohit has stepped away from Tests and T20Is. He now remains available for India only in ODIs. Dale Steyn noted that Rohit will use the IPL to prove his form.
“This is his period, two months to show India that he remains among the cream of the crop, alongside Virat and other seasoned players. Opening at Wankhede with Quinton de Kock on the other side, and possibly (Ryan) Rickleton too, Rohit is set to go guns blazing. It’s going to be exciting,” he concluded.
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