IPL 2026: Rohit-Rickelton's robust fifties rock KKR as MI kick off campaign with 6-wicket victory

Mumbai Indians (MI) got the better of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign opener at the Wankhede stadium on March 29. While batting first KKR posted a big total of 220/4, thanks to Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi's fifties. In reply, Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton combined to take KKR bowlers to cleaners and cracked robust fifties to help MI chase down the total with five balls to spare. 

MI will next face Delhi Capitals on April 4, while KKR will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2.

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With this win, MI finally broke their infamous opening-day jinx in spectacular fashion. After losing every single one of their season openers since defeating the Chennai Super Kings back in 2012, the five-time champions hit full throttle in their pursuit of a massive 221-run target. Displaying incredible batting dominance, the home side comfortably gunned down the total, finishing at 224/4 in just 19.1 overs.

Rohit Sharma's vintage masterclass

Playing in his very first competitive T20 match since the previous IPL season, former India and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma appeared to have sharpened his game by a few notches. The veteran opener was in sublime touch, smacking a rapid 38-ball 78. His vintage knock was decorated with six massive sixes and as many boundaries, immediately putting the Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling unit on the back foot.

Rickelton's power-hitting display

At the other end, Rohit's opening partner Ryan Rickelton matched the aggression with a belligerent 81 runs off just 43 balls. Making the absolute most of two lifelines handed to him by the KKR fielders, Rickelton cleared the ropes eight times and added four boundaries. His fearless approach played a massive role in helping the Mumbai Indians finally secure those elusive two points from a campaign opener.

Rohit was incredibly adroit throughout his innings, not just in picking up the lengths of the ball early with his sharp footwork, but also in executing his trademark shots to absolute perfection. For instance, against the lanky Blessing Muzarabani in the fourth over, the 38-year-old danced down the track to spank a short ball over extra cover for a maximum. In the very next over, he timed a delivery from spinner Varun Chakaravarthy just as sweetly, sending it sailing over the covers for another six.

Those quintessential Rohit Sharma lofted hits over the off-side were on full display for the Wankhede crowd. He effortlessly unleashed another one against Kartik Tyagi in the sixth over to bring up a scorching half-century off a mere 23 balls. Meanwhile, Rickelton was blissfully taking down KKR's famous mystery spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, routinely targeting the leg-side boundaries to clear the ropes with ease.

The destructive opening duo put on a massive 148-run partnership off just 72 balls to put MI firmly in the driver’s seat. While both openers eventually fell, partly due to some brilliant outfield catching by KKR's Anukul Roy, the platform was already set. In the end, it was the calm finishing partnership of skipper Hardik Pandya (18 not out) and Naman Dhir (5 not out) that safely took MI over the finish line.

Ajinkya Rahane's batting heroic in vain

Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane and young talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi both smashed blistering half-centuries to propel KKR to a massive total of 220/4 in their allocated 20 overs. Despite the onslaught from the KKR batters, Shardul Thakur emerged as the standout performer for the Mumbai bowling attack by picking up three crucial wickets, while ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah used his expertise to keep things relatively tight during the high-pressure death overs.

After being asked to bat first by MI skipper Hardik Pandya, KKR openers Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane wasted no time and immediately set a fierce tempo. The dynamic duo stitched together a rapid 69-run partnership for the opening wicket strictly within the powerplay. Both batsmen relentlessly played aggressive, attacking shots from the get-go, successfully putting the highly rated Mumbai bowling unit under immense early pressure. The momentum finally shifted when Shardul Thakur was brought into the attack. Striking in the final over of the powerplay, Shardul removed the dangerous Finn Allen for a well-made 37 runs to finally halt the opening onslaught. KKR's massive marquee signing, Cameron Green, also came in and looked to continue the aggressive intent with some useful runs, but he too fell victim to Shardul's bowling after scoring 18.

Unfazed by the falling wickets, Rahane forged another excellent partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi and brought up his own half-century in just 27 deliveries. Rahane was eventually dismissed by Shardul in the 14th over after a brilliant, captain's knock of 67 runs off 40 balls, an innings decorated with five massive sixes and three boundaries. Raghuvanshi carried forward the momentum to bring up his own fifty in just 28 balls before getting dismissed by Hardik Pandya on the very next delivery. Rinku Singh then provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten cameo of 33 runs off 21 balls, setting a formidable target of 221 runs for the hosts, which MI eventually chased down.