Rohit Sharma says India is moving in the right direction—on results and mindset—and he wants the country to become the undisputed powerhouse of world cricket. At the same time, he has been declared “100% fit” ahead of Mumbai Indians’ final IPL 2026 league matc
When Rohit Sharma stepped into the ESA Day atmosphere with Mumbai Indians, he didn’t talk like someone looking back. He talked like someone marking a target—India as the undisputed powerhouse of world cricket.
“I want India to be the powerhouse of world cricket…that is the bottom line as I want India to be the best and cricket is right up there. ” Rohit said during the event. adding that what India has done across formats in recent years has been “superb to watch.” He pointed to a run that includes the 2024 World Cup. Women’s World Cup. U19 World Cup. ICC Champions Trophy and another T20 World Cup. and said he hopes the country keeps its “winning streak.”.
That belief comes with a clear sense of how the game itself has changed. Rohit described the shift in batting pressure over the years, especially in white-ball cricket. “When we started 130-140 was a good score but currently it is difficult. Now. any score one gets does not seem to be very convincing. ” he said—an explanation that lands like a scoreboard lesson. The expectation, he suggested, has moved so fast that the old benchmarks no longer satisfy.
For Rohit, the reason behind that rise is also personal to modern players: fearlessness. “People have become more fearless. open minded on how they should go about doing things. which is a good sign for the sport. game and league. ” he said. He added that players are not holding back. choosing to take a step forward rather than being conservative. and expects that approach to keep lifting the sport “to greater heights.”.
Even his comments on the next generation carried the same idea of momentum—just with less pressure early on. Speaking about youngsters, Rohit stressed that kids should be allowed to enjoy cricket before expectation hardens into weight. “It depends from age to age. I know there are kids ranging from six years to 18 years. You do not want to put too much pressure on the kid so early on in their life,” he said. He described how for him it began with simple enjoyment: watching, playing with friends, and doing what feels right. “Enjoy the sport that you want to play. No one can force you to do something,” the ODI opener said.
The same Rohit who speaks about mindset also has a mindset check of his own—this season, fitness. Rohit declared fully fit ahead of MI’s final IPL 2026 game, after being officially labeled “100% fit” before Mumbai Indians’ final IPL 2026 league match against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium.
Earlier in the season. injury interruptions had disrupted him. and the numbers show what he still managed to do despite the limited appearances. Rohit featured in only eight matches, but scored 283 runs at an average of 40.42 and a strike rate of 160.70. His standout innings included an 84 off 44 balls against Lucknow Super Giants and a 78 off just 38 deliveries against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Put together. the message coming from Rohit is simple and blunt: India’s cricket future should be built for dominance. and the players—young and senior—should be shaped by confidence more than fear. Right now. as he heads into Mumbai Indians’ final league fixture with Rajasthan Royals. he is doing it with one big checkbox already ticked: he is 100% fit. and the mindset he wants for Indian cricket is already being lived in the present.
Rohit Sharma India cricket T20 World Cup 2024 World Cup Women’s World Cup U19 World Cup ICC Champions Trophy IPL 2026 Mumbai Indians Rajasthan Royals Wankhede Stadium fitness boost