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Mumbai Indians (MI) star opener Rohit Sharma roared back to form in the El Clasico clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Rohit scored an unbeaten 76 off 45 deliveries and helped MI register a one-sided nine-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After scoring his first half-century of the season, Rohit hit back at critics and emphasised on the importance of not doubting yourself as it leads to unnecessary pressure.
"After being here for a long time, it's easy to start doubting yourself and start doing different things. It was important for me to practice well, hit the ball well. When you are clear in your mind, things like this can happen," said the former MI skipper.
"It has been a while but if you doubt yourself, you put pressure on yourself. It is important to balance how you want to play. Today I wanted to hit the ball but was also important to hold the shape and extend the arms.
"And then if the ball is in the arc, I wanted to try what i always do. It has not been happening consistently but I am not going to doubt myself," he added.
The five-time IPL-winning captain's services have been used as an impact player. Rohit opened up about doing what the team demands from him.
"It's something we spoke about but 2-3 overs doesn't make huge difference but it's not easy when you haven't fielded for 17 overs, that's the thought process but I don't mind that if I my team wants me to come straightaway and bat," the 37-year-old said.
Rohit on hitting a six named after him
Rohit hit six sixes in his blazing knock. He hit one in the newly-inaugurated 'Rohit Sharma stand' as well. The Mumbai batter is happy to get the 'huge honour'.
"Looks far away that stand, I enjoyed being out there, for me it's about staying out there and finishing the game, that's what gives me the most satisfaction. We are peaking at the right time, we have won three games in a row. It's a huge honour, I mentioned about it as a young kid, we weren't allowed to come to the stadium at some stage. But, having played all my cricket here, and now to have that stand, it's a big honour. Whenever that name comes up, I don't know how to react," he said.
Rohit nears milestone
The terrific knock helped Rohit get close to the 1,000-run mark (972) against CSK. Only two batters -- David Warner and Virat Kohli -- have scored more than 1,000 runs against the Chennai-based franchise.
The dominating win helped MI rise to the sixth spot on the points table with four wins from eight games. Their next clash is against an out-of-form Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 23.
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