March 29, 2025: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) heats up, Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma shared some heartfelt thoughts on the close-knit, family-like environment within the team ahead of their upcoming clash with Gujarat Titans (GT). MI will face off against the Shubman Gill-led GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a venue where MI has struggled in the past with GT holding a 3-2 record over them.
In a video shared by MI on their X handle, titled ‘Charcha with Rohit Sharma’, the star batter opened up about the emotional bond that develops among players during the two-month IPL season. He recalled how difficult it was to leave the team hotel after spending months together, especially during the COVID-19-impacted 2020 IPL season in Abu Dhabi.
“When you finish IPL for two months, and then when you go back home, you know that you’ve created another family. While playing alongside them, creating memories, it’s hard to leave. I remember in 2020, after winning the IPL in Abu Dhabi, a few people were crying. We had been there for three and a half months in that bubble, same hotel, same team room. It was really tough to leave after creating such great memories,” said Rohit.
The MI skipper also spoke about the new energy that has come into the team this season with fresh faces joining the squad. He highlighted the importance of established players helping new recruits open up and integrate into the team’s culture.
“Guys like Tilak (Verma), Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), Hardik (Pandya), all of us have been part of the team before, and it’s our responsibility to create a positive and fresh environment,” Rohit explained.
He further added that Tilak Verma, who was initially shy when he joined the team, has now blossomed into a leader in his own right, helping other newcomers feel at home. “When Tilak Verma came to the team for the first time, he was very shy. He used to sit quietly in a corner. Now, he is open, and he has taken the role of making everyone feel comfortable,” Rohit said.
Rohit also emphasized that the responsibility of welcoming new players into the fold lies with the senior members. “When a new player joins the team, it is our duty to help them settle in and make them feel free to express themselves. It’s the little things that matter, whether it’s on or off the field,” he said.
The team has a great mix of experience and youth, with seasoned players like Trent Boult, Mitch Santner, and Rohit himself, alongside promising young talents like Will Jacks, Reece Topley, and Bevon Jacobs. “We’ve got a lot of exciting players this season. When you have something different, something new, and come together as a collective, that’s what makes the team special,” he added.
Looking ahead, Rohit is focused on bringing MI back to its glory days. While acknowledging the challenges of winning an IPL trophy, he knows that it requires a collective effort. “Winning trophies is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, and everything has to come together. Winning 17 games is like half a year’s T20 season, but you’re playing it in just two months. That’s the challenge of the IPL,” Rohit explained.
However, he remains optimistic about MI’s prospects this season. “We have a lot of exciting players, young talents, and a great environment in the team. I want us to focus on doing the right things. If we do that, the results will follow,” he concluded.
As the IPL action intensifies, MI fans are hopeful that their team’s bond and the combination of experienced players and fresh talent will help them conquer the challenges ahead. The clash against Gujarat Titans will certainly be one to watch as both teams aim to continue their journey in the tournament.