IPL 2026: Will Rohit Sharma score 500 runs? Dale Steyn predicts explosive season for Mumbai Indians star
Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has backed Rohit Sharma to have one of the best Indian Premier League seasons when the tournament begins on Saturday, March 28.
Rohit’s best IPL season came in 2013, when he scored 538 runs in 19 matches, helping Mumbai Indians win their first title. This is the only season in which he has crossed the 500-run mark.
Steyn said the former MI captain will combine focus and aggression with control in this IPL and show his best cricket in India’s growing winning culture. He also praised Rohit for changing his physique.
Since stepping away from Test cricket in 2025, the 38-year-old Rohit has focused a lot on fitnessHis eyes are set on the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“Guns blazing. I think he will be focused and aggressive, but in a controlled manner. It won’t be reckless slogging, it will be cultured, adapt to the conditions. We are likely to see the best performance from Rohit Sharma this season,” Steyn told broadcasters on Friday.
“You can see it in their bodies, and there is this feeling in the air – cricket in India is always in the air, but now there is a winning culture that Indian cricket is starting to adopt. The world is seeing it, and India is two steps ahead of everyone else,” Steyn said.
‘This is Rohit’s era’
For India, Rohit is the only active cricketer in ODIs, having already retired from Tests and T20Is. Steyn said that Rohit can use the IPL to showcase his skills and remind everyone that he is one of the best.
“Rohit is not as consistent a player across all three formats as he used to be, so he is using the IPL as a perfect platform to showcase his skills and remind everyone that he is still at the top.
Steyn said, “This is his period, two months to show India that he remains among the best players along with Virat and other experienced players. Opening at the Wankhede with Quinton de Kock and possibly (Ryan) Rickleton as well, Rohit is ready to explode. It is going to be exciting.”
Mumbai Indians are set to begin their IPL campaign against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, March 29.
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