IPL 2025 Eliminator: Rohit Sharma rolls back the years in dominant MI innings

Rohit Sharma capitalised on multiple reprieves to craft a commanding 81 off 50 deliveries, while Jonny Bairstow made a blistering impact on his Mumbai Indians debut, helping the five-time champions post an imposing 228/5 against a lackluster Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 Eliminator on Friday.

On a relatively drier surface compared to the previous day`s match, Mumbai opted to bat first, and their decision paid immediate dividends. Gujarat Titans, however, were architects of their own downfall, dropping three crucial catches, two of Rohit and one of Suryakumar Yadav, while also delivering a lacklustre bowling performance in this high-stakes clash.

Rohit, riding his luck, was let off twice during the powerplay. The first chance was spilled by Gerald Coetzee at deep square leg, followed by debutant Kusal Mendis fumbling a routine catch behind the stumps off Siraj. These missed opportunities proved costly, as the veteran opener made the Titans pay dearly with a flurry of audacious strokes.

Earlier, it was Bairstow who set the tempo for Mumbai. The out-of-favour England batter, fresh off consecutive half-centuries in county cricket for Yorkshire, wasted no time asserting himself. In just his second over faced, he launched a brutal assault on Prasidh Krishna, smashing the pacer for 26 runs, including three sixes in a single over. From emphatic pulls to straight lofted drives, Bairstow`s intent was unmistakable.

Rohit joined the party soon after, targeting spinner Sai Kishore during the powerplay. He swept and slogged the left-armer for boundaries and a towering six, guiding Mumbai to their best powerplay score of the season, 79 without loss after six overs.

Displaying peak form, Rohit also took on Rashid Khan, an uncommon sight. He drove the Afghan leg-spinner elegantly over cover and later slog-swept him for a six, reaffirming his dominance. At the halfway mark, MI were cruising at 113/1.

Suryakumar Yadav`s arrival only intensified the momentum. The Indian T20 skipper took on Coetzee with authority, dispatching him for a pair of sixes—one a fierce pull and the other a deft uppercut. Though dismissed for 33, his knock added vital impetus.

Tilak Varma (25 off 11), despite a quiet season, rediscovered his touch briefly with three towering sixes before falling to Siraj. Captain Hardik Pandya finished the innings in style, hammering Coetzee for two maximums in the final over to push the total beyond 225.

For the third consecutive match, Gujarat conceded over 225 runs, an ominous trend against a team boasting a potent bowling arsenal. Chasing 229, the Titans now face an uphill battle.

This article first appeared on Mid Day