Rohit Sharma wasted little time making his presence felt as Mumbai Indians welcomed him back into their playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday. The veteran delivered a blistering knock, striking 84 runs off just 44 balls to lift the chase with real urgency.
Rohit’s innings featured seven maximums and six boundaries along the way, coming in at a strike rate of 190.91. His return also carried an important personal milestone at the Wankhede Stadium, where he crossed Virat Kohli in overall IPL appearances during the match.
Rohit’s milestone and what it means
- Rohit Sharma played his 277th IPL match, moving ahead of Virat Kohli (276).
- MS Dhoni leads the appearances list with 278 matches.
- Dhoni has missed this IPL season so far due to a calf strain.
- Rohit and Kohli could both overtake Dhoni in the coming fixtures.
Dhoni’s absence this season, stemming from a calf strain, has left the top spot tantalisingly close. With Rohit already ahead of Kohli in appearances, both batters are in striking distance of the record-holder depending on how their schedules unfold next.
How the match unfolded
Mumbai chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and Lucknow put runs on the board with a strong middle phase. Nicholas Pooran contributed 63 off 21 balls, including four sixes and eight boundaries, while Mitchell Marsh struck 44 off 25 with six fours and three sixes.
Himmat Singh also added momentum, scoring 40 from 31 deliveries, supported by two fours and two sixes. The LSG innings ended on 228/5, setting a target that demanded precision rather than just power.
The chase, however, was eased by a rapid partnership of 143 between Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma. Rickelton struck 83 off 32 balls, smashing six fours and eight sixes, and Rohit’s acceleration helped Mumbai keep the required rate under control.
Mumbai finished the job in 18.4 overs, completing the chase without needing to drag the innings into the final overs. Suryakumar Yadav, captaining in the absence of the regular leader, made 12 before departing, while Naman Dhir remained not out on 23.
Will Jacks sealed the result with a six and an unbeaten 10 as Mumbai Indians closed out the match comfortably.
Table impact
With the win, MI sit ninth in the standings with three victories and seven defeats. Lucknow, meanwhile, are rooted at the bottom after registering just two wins from nine matches, having also lost seven times.
