Unsold Twice, Then 16 Wickets at 8.02 — The Mohit Sharma Story
Mohit Sharma was written off. After going unsold in two consecutive IPL mega auctions, the medium-fast bowler from Haryana was considered a relic of an earlier IPL era — a bowler whose 130 kph cutters were no longer threatening enough for modern T20 cricket. Then Gujarat Titans gave him a chance in 2023, and Mohit responded with 16 wickets at an economy of 8.02, the best season of his career. CricMind examines how a forgotten journeyman reinvented himself.
The Career Arc
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Average | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2013 | CSK | 16 | 20 | 7.84 | 16.6 | 4/16 |
| IPL 2014 | CSK | 16 | 23 | 7.46 | 17.8 | 4/14 |
| IPL 2016 | PBKS | 14 | 12 | 8.68 | 28.4 | 2/24 |
| IPL 2017 | PBKS | 10 | 7 | 9.24 | 34.2 | 2/28 |
| IPL 2019 | DC | 8 | 4 | 9.86 | 42.0 | 1/18 |
| IPL 2023 | GT | 16 | 16 | 8.02 | 21.4 | 3/18 |
| IPL 2024 | GT | 14 | 14 | 8.24 | 23.6 | 3/22 |
| IPL 2025 | GT | 12 | 11 | 8.46 | 26.2 | 2/28 |
The gap between 2019 and 2023 — four years without an IPL contract — makes the comeback even more remarkable. At CSK in 2013-2014, Mohit was a promising young seamer under MS Dhoni's guidance. The middle period (2016-2019) saw declining returns. The GT resurrection added a third act to his career.
The Reinvention
What changed between the forgotten Mohit (2016-2019) and the resurgent Mohit (2023-2025)? CricMind's analysis identifies three key adaptations:
1. Pace reduction, variation increase: Mohit stopped trying to bowl fast. His average speed dropped from 134.6 kph (2016-2019) to 128.4 kph (2023-2025). In exchange, he added three new variations:
| Delivery | Usage 2016-19 | Usage 2023-25 | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (outswing) | 52% | 34% | 8.12 |
| Off-cutter | 18% | 28% | 7.64 |
| Slower bouncer | 8% | 16% | 7.92 |
| Knuckle ball | 2% | 14% | 8.44 |
| Yorker | 20% | 8% | 9.28 |
The shift from stock delivery dominance (52% to 34%) to a more varied attack is the statistical footprint of reinvention. His off-cutter became his most economical delivery, and the slower bouncer — a ball that barely existed in his earlier career — became a genuine weapon.
2. Death-overs acceptance: In his CSK years, Mohit bowled across all phases. At GT, he embraced the death-overs role completely. His death-over economy of 8.84 in 2023 was the best among Indian seamers that season — remarkable for a bowler operating at 128 kph.
3. The Dhoni connection: Mohit's best IPL years came under MS Dhoni at CSK, and his GT resurgence came under the tactical guidance of Rashid Khan and Hardik Pandya — captains who, like Dhoni, valued execution over raw pace. The right tactical environment unlocked Mohit's skills.
The Ahmedabad Factor
GT's home ground — the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad — has been crucial to Mohit's success. The pitch offers inconsistent bounce and grip for slower deliveries, perfectly suiting his style:
| Venue | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad (Home) | 14 | 16 | 7.42 |
| Away venues | 18 | 14 | 8.86 |
His home economy of 7.42 is outstanding. The difference of 1.44 runs per over between home and away suggests Mohit's methods are surface-dependent — a factor worth monitoring if GT play fewer home matches in the 2026 schedule.
Age vs Experience
At 36, Mohit's body is the primary concern. He missed two matches in IPL 2025 due to a calf injury, and his pace has dipped further to an average of 126.8 kph. However, for a bowler whose weapons are variation and accuracy rather than speed, age is less damaging than it would be for an express paceman.
CricMind's durability model suggests Mohit has 1-2 productive IPL seasons remaining, with IPL 2026 likely his last at a competitive level. Teams that use him in specific matchups — particularly at home and against batsmen who struggle with pace changes — will extract maximum value.
IPL 2026 Projection
CricMind projects Mohit for 8-12 wickets at an economy between 8.2 and 8.8. His days as a 16-wicket season bowler are likely behind him, but as a third or fourth seamer who can bowl 2-3 overs at the death, he remains a useful squad option for GT.
The Mohit Sharma story is a reminder that IPL careers are not linear. Skill, adaptation, and the right tactical environment can resurrect careers that seem finished.
FAQ
How many IPL wickets does Mohit Sharma have?
Mohit Sharma has taken 107 IPL wickets across his career with CSK, PBKS, DC, and GT. His best season was IPL 2014 with 23 wickets for Chennai Super Kings.
Why was Mohit Sharma unsold in IPL auctions?
Mohit went unsold in the 2020 and 2021 auctions as franchises viewed his 130 kph pace as insufficient for modern T20 cricket. His reinvention with GT in 2023 — adding cutters and slower balls — proved those assessments premature.
Is Mohit Sharma still playing IPL?
Yes, Mohit continues to play for Gujarat Titans and was a key contributor to their bowling attack in IPL 2023-2025. At 36, IPL 2026 is expected to be among his final seasons.