India national cricket team opener Rohit Sharma shared a light-hearted moment with new Mumbai Indians teammate Shardul Thakur during a training session ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. The exchange took place during a recent nets session when Thakur delivered a length ball that Sharma lofted high over long-on for a six. The veteran opener then joked with the all-rounder, saying, “Catch it… in the stands… catch it… in the stands,” drawing laughter from teammates nearby.

Thakur, who previously represented Lucknow Super Giants, joined Mumbai Indians ahead of the season in an all-cash trade worth Rs 2 crore.

Hitman recently returned from a family vacation in the Maldives following his commitments as a brand ambassador at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. The 38-year-old rejoined the squad this week and has resumed training as the team builds toward the new season. “Hitman joins the squad ahead of the new season,” the franchise said in a social media post announcing his arrival.

The five-time champions will begin their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday March 29, 2026.