He’s the face of five titles and countless sixes, but even Rohit had years when the runs dried up
Rohit Sharma, the Hitman, is a name synonymous with IPL glory, but even legends have their off days. With five titles under his belt as the captain of the Mumbai Indians, you’d think every season was a breeze for him. Yet, there are years when his bat fell silent, leaving fans scratching their heads.
As IPL 2025 heats up, let’s delve into seven of Rohit’s trickiest seasons—ones that didn’t quite match his usual fireworks.
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Back in IPL 2009, Rohit was a rising star with Deccan Chargers. He scored 362 runs in 16 matches, playing a consistent middle-order role as the team clinched the title. However, his strike rate fell short of the aggressive standards of the time, suggesting a cautious approach that didn’t always succeed.
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In IPL 2010, still with Deccan Chargers, Rohit scored 353 runs in 15 matches. The team struggled to replicate their 2009 success, and his contributions seemed overshadowed by inconsistency, with a modest average and few standout performances. It was a season that tested his resilience early on.
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In IPL 2012, Rohit scored 433 runs in 17 matches, highlighted by a stunning 109. But his performances lacked consistency beyond that century, with several low scores dotting his campaign. It was a season of highs and frustrating lows.
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Fast forward to IPL 2018 with the Mumbai Indians, and Rohit managed to score 286 runs in 14 matches. Shuffled between the opening and middle order, his rhythm suffered. Despite a dazzling 94-run knock, he couldn’t convert starts into big scores, leaving the team searching for stability.
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In IPL 2021, Rohit scored 381 runs in 13 matches, but it felt underwhelming. The Mumbai Indians struggled on slow UAE pitches, and his inability to convert starts into big totals placed additional pressure on the middle order. Fans witnessed flashes of brilliance, yet the overall impact was lacking.
IPL 2022 saw Rohit score 268 runs in 14 matches, marking his lowest seasonal total in years. Mumbai missed the playoffs, and his performances often came during losses, with crucial moments slipping away. The perception of a “low-impact” season persisted despite decent personal statistics.
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In IPL 2023, Rohit managed 332 runs in 16 matches as Mumbai reached the playoffs. Yet, his contribution felt underwhelming, with only two fifties and stretches where he struggled to exceed even 10 runs. The team’s success overshadowed his personal quiet spell.
