Rohit Sharma on His 15-Year Journey with Mumbai Indians: 'Couldn't Have Done It Alone', what more he said? What Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur said?
Fifteen years is a long time in cricket, but for Rohit Sharma, his journey with the Mumbai Indians has been less about the passage of time and more about the people who shaped it. From joining in 2011 to becoming the face of the Mumbai Indians' success, Rohit's story is less about milestones and more about the people who helped achieve them—about trust and culture.
As he reached a milestone in the 2026 Indian Premier League, Rohit chose not to dwell on trophies and statistics. Instead, he focused on the relationships and the support system that helped him become one of the league's most successful leaders.
This is a very special team: Rohit
He said, "Thank you all so much for making this so special. Polly (Kieron Pollard), Hardik (Pandya), Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), Shardul (Thakur), Mali (Malinga), the coaches, and the rest of you—thank you all. Thank you all very much. Without your collective efforts, I wouldn't be the person I am today. This is a very special team, a very special franchise, and it comprises some truly special people."
'These achievements were never my alone'
After leading the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, Rohit made it clear that these achievements were never his alone. For him, it was always about the collective effort and the environment fostered by the franchise.
Rahul said, "Yes, we won five trophies, but obviously, we all know that this wouldn't be possible without the collective effort of the entire team involved in making this franchise so special. Akash (Ambani) isn't here, Bhabhi isn't here, but I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart as well.
The cricketer further said, "You know, they gave me so much support—support that was truly needed at that time—so that I could grow, both as a captain and as a player within this franchise. For without this franchise, I would never have learned the art of becoming a leader."
'My gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey'
He added, "Obviously, there are many people to thank for this. Many people helped me evolve in that leadership role, and now, even as a player—as you all know—I have received immense support from everyone. My gratitude extends not just to the people immediately around me, but to everyone who has been a part of this journey."
Rohit concluded by saying, "Even those who aren't present here today—I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart for making this journey so special. As Polly always says, may this franchise continue to thrive for a long time—for all the players, the staff, and everyone involved. Let us continue to elevate the legacy of this franchise to even greater heights. Thank you, everyone."
Hardik Pandya also acknowledged Rohit's impact
Current captain Hardik Pandya also acknowledged Rohit's impact, particularly on the young players emerging from the system. "Rohit, congratulations on completing 15 years! Thank you for the way you have led this franchise for so many years. I made my debut under you; Boom (Bumrah) did; so many of us—we all made our debuts under your leadership. Thank you for inspiring so many individuals who have come to play for this franchise, and subsequently, for India as well."
Pandya added, "You have been truly amazing and magnificent as a human being. You have always been incredibly friendly and open-minded." "You have led from the front—many congratulations to you, and thank you for the manner in which you have led over all these years."
He has remained the same person for many years: Shardul
For Shardul Thakur, Rohit was—above all else—a human being, not merely a cricketer; a quality that truly set him apart. Thakur remarked, "Well, everyone has spoken about the cricketing side of him, but focusing solely on matters off the field—not everyone is capable of doing what he has done. He has remained the same person for many years—a much-improved version, of course—but yes, he hasn't changed much. From day one until now, he has treated us exactly the same way off the field; so, I will simply offer one piece of advice: never let the child within you die."