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Mumbai Indians' (MI) veteran opener Rohit Sharma rode his luck in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 eliminator clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 30. Rohit smashed nine fours and four sixes in his 50-ball 81 and helped the five-time IPL-winners post 228/5 on the board. After MI's 20-run win, Rohit admitted that he has not been consistent in the ongoing season.
"I've got only four fifties; I think I would have liked to get more. I do understand the importance of playing the Eliminator," Rohit said in the post-match presentation.
Rohit got two early reprieves. First, Gerald Coetzee dropped a catch in the second over off Prasidh Krishna. In the next over, he edged one off Mohammed Siraj but on-debut Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis dropped the catch.
"Again, a complete team performance. When I play, it's trying to understand how I can play my best. Today, after having those luck going my way, I knew I had to make the most of it. I'm glad I could do that, and get the team into a good position. We knew it would be slightly challenging with the dew coming in. I've played all those shots in the game before, and unfortunately, I found fielders [today]. I got lucky; those catches got dropped. Even after the drop, you've got to play well. It was a good bowling effort as well," Rohit added.
While Rohit was living dangerously, it was Jonny Bairstow who led the charge in the powerplay overs. Came in as temporary replacement, Bairstow hit four fours and three sixes in his 22-ball 47 before falling to left-arm spinner R Sai Kisore. Rohit lauded Bairstow for taking the game head-on.
"I've watched Bairstow over the years being on the other side... we know what he can do upfront with the bat. Took his chances, and it came off. We always look for that start," Rohit said.
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Rohit's numbers in IPL 2025 and Qualifier 2 venue
In the ongoing season, Rohit has scored 410 runs from 14 games at an average of 31.53, featuring four fifties. His strike rate in the season is 150.18.
Rohit does not have a good record in the IPL at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the venue for Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings (PBKS). He has 150 runs from seven innings at an average of 21.42. His high score at the venue is 49.
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