Rohit Sharma, one of Indian cricket’s most celebrated figures, has faced a challenging start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with Mumbai Indians (MI). The veteran batter, known for his elegant stroke play and leadership, has struggled to find form, managing just 56 runs in five matches with scores of 0, 8, 13, 17, and 18. This poor run has raised concerns among fans and experts, with some even suggesting that Mumbai Indians consider demoting Sharma in the batting order. However, one person remains notably unperturbed by this dip in performance: Dinesh Lad, Sharma’s childhood coach, who has expressed unwavering confidence in his protégé’s ability to bounce back.
A Mentor’s Unshaken Faith
Dinesh Lad, who has been instrumental in shaping Sharma’s cricketing journey, recently commented on the star batter’s form, stating he is “not worried about IPL” despite Sharma’s struggles for Mumbai Indians. Lad’s perspective stems from his deep understanding of Sharma’s resilience and work ethic, qualities he observed when coaching a young Sharma in Mumbai’s Borivali suburb. Lad’s confidence is not unfounded; he has witnessed Sharma overcome challenges before, both as a player and as a leader who guided India to two ICC titles in the past nine months, including the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025.
Lad’s optimism is rooted in Sharma’s history of perseverance. “Rohit has always been a fighter,” Lad said in a recent interview. “He’s faced tough phases before, and he knows how to work his way out of them. The IPL is a long tournament, and I’m sure he’ll find his rhythm soon.” This sentiment reflects Lad’s belief that temporary setbacks do not define a player of Sharma’s caliber, who has a proven track record of delivering under pressure.
Rohit Sharma’s IPL 2025 Struggles
The IPL 2025 season has been a frustrating one for Sharma and Mumbai Indians. The team, led by Hardik Pandya, has won only two of their six matches, with their latest victory coming against Delhi Capitals on April 13, 2025. Sharma’s batting woes have been a significant concern, with his average languishing at 11.20 after five outings. His brief 18-run knock off 12 balls against Delhi Capitals showed glimpses of form but ended prematurely, adding to the growing narrative of his struggles. Social media has been harsh, with fans labeling Sharma as “finished” and criticizing his approach as “desperate.”
Despite these challenges, Sharma’s contributions off the field have been notable. During the Delhi Capitals match, he played a pivotal role from the dugout, suggesting a tactical ball change and the introduction of spinners, including impact substitute Karn Sharma, who took 3/36 to turn the game in MI’s favor. This move, which led to a thrilling 12-run victory, showcased Sharma’s cricketing acumen, even as his batting form faltered. However, not everyone was quick to credit Sharma, with former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar emphasizing that captain Hardik Pandya deserved recognition for the final decisions.
The Mumbai Indians’ Broader Challenges
Mumbai Indians’ struggles extend beyond Sharma’s form. The team has failed to qualify for the playoffs since 2021 and finished 10th in both 2022 and 2024, raising questions about their consistency. Coach Mahela Jayawardene has acknowledged concerns about the team’s powerplay performance with both bat and ball but remains confident in the core group, including Sharma, to turn things around. The return of premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah has provided a boost, but the batting unit, including stars like Suryakumar Yadav, has yet to fire collectively.
Former India women’s captain Anjum Chopra suggested that demoting Sharma in the batting order could help Mumbai Indians find balance, noting that his current role at the top isn’t yielding the desired results. “It’s not a crime to be out of form,” Chopra remarked, emphasizing that strategic changes could benefit both Sharma and the team. However, such suggestions have sparked debate, with some arguing that moving a player of Sharma’s stature could disrupt team dynamics further.
Sharma’s Early Days Under Dinesh Lad
Rohit Sharma’s journey to cricketing stardom began under the watchful eye of Dinesh Lad at Mumbai’s Swami Vivekanand School. Lad recognized Sharma’s talent early, nurturing his natural flair and helping him develop the discipline needed to succeed at the highest level. Stories of Sharma’s dedication, such as practicing in Mumbai’s maidans despite financial constraints, are well-documented. Lad’s coaching philosophy emphasized resilience and adaptability, traits that have defined Sharma’s career, from his domestic cricket days to leading India to global triumphs.
Lad’s faith in Sharma is not just sentimental; it’s backed by years of observing his growth. He recalls a young Sharma who would spend hours honing his skills, undeterred by setbacks. This same grit, Lad believes, will see Sharma through his current IPL slump. “He’s been through worse phases,” Lad noted. “This is just a temporary blip.”
The Pressure of Expectations
Sharma’s recent failures have been magnified by his stature as one of India’s most successful captains and a five-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians. His leadership in securing the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy titles has set a high benchmark, making his current form a focal point of scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike have questioned whether Sharma, at 37, is past his prime, with some even calling for his retirement. Yet, Lad’s perspective offers a counter-narrative, reminding us that even the best players endure lean patches.
The IPL’s high-pressure environment, coupled with Mumbai Indians’ recent struggles, has intensified the spotlight on Sharma. His role as an impact substitute in several matches, including against Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, has added to the narrative of a player struggling to cement his place. However, his tactical contributions, such as the strategic moves against Delhi Capitals, highlight his value beyond the runs he scores.
Looking Ahead: Can Sharma Turn It Around?
Despite the criticism, there are signs that Sharma is working hard to regain his form. Reports from Mumbai Indians’ training sessions indicate that he has been putting in extra hours at the nets, facing a variety of bowlers to fine-tune his game. Coach Jayawardene has backed Sharma, dismissing concerns about his struggles against left-arm pacers and emphasizing his experience as a key asset. “Rohit’s been practicing hard,” Jayawardene said, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver.
Lad’s unflappable stance mirrors this optimism. He believes that Sharma’s experience and mental fortitude will see him through, potentially turning the tide for Mumbai Indians. The team’s recent victory against Delhi Capitals, where Sharma’s inputs were crucial, suggests that his influence remains significant, even if his bat isn’t firing yet.
In Summary
Rohit Sharma’s current struggles in IPL 2025 have sparked intense debate, but Dinesh Lad’s unwavering support offers a refreshing perspective. As Sharma’s childhood coach, Lad’s confidence is a testament to the cricketer’s resilience and potential for a comeback. While Mumbai Indians grapple with broader challenges, Sharma’s experience and tactical acumen continue to shine through, even in tough times. As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Sharma to see if he can silence his critics and lead Mumbai Indians back to their winning ways, proving once again why he remains one of cricket’s enduring stars.
