Veteran batter Rohit Sharma delivered a standout performance in the IPL 2025 Eliminator as the Mumbai Indians defeated Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in Mullanpur on Friday.
Sharma, 38, scored a blistering 81 off 50 balls and was named Player of the Match, helping MI post a formidable total of 228/4.
Despite an inconsistent season, Rohit acknowledged both his struggles and good fortune during the game, having been dropped twice in the powerplay by Gerald Coetzee and Kusal Mendis. “I’ve only got four fifties this season. I definitely would’ve liked to score more,” he said at the post-match presentation. “That said, it was a great day for us as a team. I’m proud of the complete effort.”
Rohit admitted luck played a part but emphasized his focus on maintaining momentum:
“You’ve got to be lucky sometimes. But even after those drops, you still have to bat well. I tried to keep the tempo going.”
The turning point in Rohit’s season came against Chennai Super Kings, where he scored an unbeaten 76. His resurgence continued in the Eliminator, aided by a strong 84-run opening partnership with Jonny Bairstow, who replaced Ryan Rickelton in the XI.
“Jonny looked completely settled despite playing his first game for us,” Rohit noted. “We’ve seen what he can do over the years, and he showed it again tonight.”
Mumbai Indians restricted Gujarat Titans to 208/9 in their chase of 229. With the win, MI advances to Qualifier 2, where they will face Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Meanwhile, RCB has already secured a spot in the IPL 2025 final after defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1.
