Shardul Thakur is set for a happy homecoming at Mumbai Indians, and he is clearly excited about reuniting with Rohit Sharma. The India all-rounder spoke openly about how Rohit’s support and the MI environment shaped his early career and why he feels “kaafi masti hogi” this time too.

Shardul Thakur on reuniting with Rohit Sharma

Shardul has been traded from Lucknow Super Giants to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, returning to a franchise where he was a support bowler back in 2010. He said Rohit Sharma always made him feel relaxed and free to be himself, which helped their bonding grow quickly. According to Shardul, Rohit allowed him to express his personality and game without fear, and that comfort level is something he is eager to experience again in the MI camp.

Talking about their reunion, Shardul said that once they sit and chat again, “kaafi masti hogi” – there will be a lot of fun and laughter. For him, it is not just about cricket but also about enjoying the dressing-room atmosphere with a senior player who has backed him in the past.

How early MI days shaped Shardul

Shardul recalled that being part of the MI setup in IPL 2010 gave him priceless exposure as a young fast bowler. He was given practice games and chances to bowl with the new ball, which boosted his confidence and belief. Sharing a dressing room with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Andrew Symonds, Munaf Patel, Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu felt “surreal” to him and made him comfortable around senior pros very early in his journey.

He also credited MI’s support staff, especially director of cricket Rahul Sanghvi and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, for their regular guidance over the years. Shardul believes that the way Mumbai Indians treated him in those formative days played a quiet but important role in his growth as a professional cricketer.

Role at Mumbai Indians for IPL 2026

With 13 Tests, 47 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India, Shardul comes back to MI as a far more experienced seam-bowling all-rounder than he was in 2010. Mumbai have brought him in to strengthen their pace and lower-order depth as they chase a record sixth IPL title. Along with his wicket-taking knack in the middle overs, his ability to chip in with handy runs down the order adds balance to the squad.

Mumbai Indians, who sit alongside Chennai Super Kings with five IPL trophies each, will hope Shardul’s familiarity with the franchise culture and his chemistry with Rohit can translate into impact performances in IPL 2026.