In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), every season brings with it new heroes and unexpected disappointments. Following the IPL 2025 mega auction, Mumbai Indians (MI), one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, went into the season with high hopes, bolstered by some strategic acquisitions. However, the performances of two key players, Rohit Sharma and Will Jacks, left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Here’s an in-depth look at how these two players failed to live up to expectations in the IPL 2025 season.
Rohit Sharma:
Rohit Sharma, known as the ‘Hitman’ for his prowess in limited-overs cricket, and a former captain of Mumbai Indians, had a season to forget in IPL 2025. His performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) leading up to the IPL painted a worrying picture, indicating a form slump that carried into the IPL.
BGT Performances:
2nd Test at Adelaide: Rohit Sharma, missing the first Test due to the birth of his child, returned for the Adelaide Test. His scores of 3 and 6 were a stark contrast to his usual high-scoring innings, raising concerns about his form.
3rd Test at Gabba: Here, the scenario was no better. Scoring only 10 runs, Rohit’s performance was underwhelming, setting a tone that unfortunately extended into the IPL.
Post these lackluster performances in the Test series, expectations were that Rohit would regain his form in the familiar T20 environment of the IPL. However, 2025 turned out to be one of his least productive seasons:
Batting: Rohit’s average plummeted to a new low for him in the IPL format. Known for his ability to anchor innings or accelerate as needed, he struggled with inconsistency. His highest score in the season was a modest 42, with several innings ending in single digits. His strike rate was also notably lower than his career average, indicating struggles with timing and shot selection.
Leadership and Fielding: Although not officially the captain for MI this season, Rohit’s role as a senior player and mentor was critical. His usual flair on the field, including sharp catches and strategic inputs, seemed muted. This was partly due to the pressure of poor form and perhaps the absence of leadership responsibilities which he had shouldered for years.
Impact on Team: The dip in Rohit’s form was not just a personal setback but had a visible impact on the team’s momentum. MI, known for their explosive starts, often found themselves struggling to set or chase down scores, partly because their opening strategies were less effective without Rohit’s usual contributions.
Will Jacks:
Will Jacks, an English all-rounder, was one of the new signings for Mumbai Indians after the mega auction. With his reputation for aggressive batting and useful off-spin, there was much optimism around what he could bring to the team. However, his IPL debut season was far from the explosive start everyone had anticipated.
T20 Series vs West Indies:
Before the IPL, Jacks had shown promise in a T20 series against West Indies, but his form was inconsistent:
Batting: Jacks had flashes of brilliance, but his scores were erratic. Against the West Indies, he managed only one fifty, with other innings contributing little, often falling prey to early dismissals.
In the IPL, Jacks struggled to find the middle of his bat. His highest score was a 31, and he had several ducks, highlighting issues with adapting to different bowling attacks and conditions. His aggressive style, while effective in some conditions, didn’t translate well against the varied bowling strategies of IPL teams.Bowling: Expected to contribute with his off-spin, Jacks was underused. When he bowled, he was expensive, often going for runs at a high economy rate. His lack of consistency with the ball meant MI often had to look elsewhere for bowling changes, limiting the impact of his all-round abilities.
Fielding: While his fielding was generally sharp, the pressure from his batting and bowling failures seemed to affect his overall game.
Team Role: Jacks was often shuffled in the batting order, which didn’t help his cause. The constant change made it hard for him to settle into a role, further complicating his adaptation to the IPL’s fast-paced and strategic gameplay.
The failure of these two players to deliver in IPL 2025 wasn’t just about individual performances but highlighted broader issues:
Adaptation: Both players faced challenges adapting to the specific demands of the IPL. For Rohit, it was about rediscovering his form and rhythm after a tough Test series. For Jacks, it was about finding his feet in a new cricketing environment with different expectations and pressures.
Team Strategy: Mumbai Indians, known for their strategic depth, perhaps miscalculated in how they integrated these players into their game plan. The reliance on Rohit’s experience and Jacks’ all-round capabilities didn’t pan out as hoped, prompting a rethink on team composition and strategy.
Mental and Physical Preparation: The mental toll of poor form can be significant, especially in a format where confidence plays a crucial role. Both players might have needed more support in terms of mental conditioning and possibly, tailored physical preparation to better suit the IPL’s demands.
As the IPL season concluded, the focus shifted to how these players, particularly Rohit Sharma, would respond in the upcoming international assignments and the next IPL season. For Will Jacks, the journey back to form in the IPL might involve a stint in domestic cricket or another T20 league to regain confidence and refine his game.
For Mumbai Indians, the lesson was clear: even the most experienced or promising players can falter, and team management needs to be agile in their approach to player management, strategy, and expectations. The IPL, with its fast-paced evolution, demands not just skill but also adaptability, resilience, and sometimes, a bit of luck.
IPL 2025 will be remembered by Mumbai Indians fans as the season of “what could have been” for Rohit Sharma and Will Jacks, but also as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket, where even the stars can have their moments in the shadow.
