IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma Steals Spotlight as Mumbai Indians Back to Winning Ways
14 April 2025 12:35 PM IST
Spinner Karn Sharma returned figures of 3-36 as five-time champions pulled off a stunning 12-run win to end Delhi Capitals' dominant run this season.
Rohit Sharma steals spotlight as Mumbai Indians back to winning ways (Photos: X)
Spotlight shifts to Rohit Sharma after his franchise, Mumbai Indians returned to winning ways on Sunday, leaving experts split.
Spinner Karn Sharma returned figures of 3-36 as five-time champions pulled off a stunning 12-run win to end Delhi Capitals' dominant run this season.
Chasing 206 for victory, Delhi looked to be cruising at 135-2 when Karun Nair departed on 89 and leg-spinner Karn soon triggered a collapse to bowl out the hosts for 193 in their home Feroz Shah Kotla ground.
Even as Mumbai turned around its fortunes, Rohit's poor form continued, after he departed for 18 (12).
However, he was largely credited by experts and fans for his tactical brilliance, which he shared from the dug-out and during match breaks.
It was Rohit Sharma who suggested to coach Mahela Jayawardene to bring Karn into the attack and also requested a ball change after the 11th over.
When Delhi was looking comfortable and inching closer towards the finish line, Rohit's suggestion turned out to be a game-changer.
Mumbai got the upper hand after Pandya handed over the ball to Karn, despite the spinner's earlier over proving expensive.
Moreover, Rohit was seen intensely plotting to trap DC batters during time-outs along with Hardik and Jayawardane in the second half of the run-chase. Official broadcasters, Star Sports released a poster to acknowledge Rohit's tactical contributions. While a panel of commentators decoded how Rohit convinced other coaches to consider his opinion.
Social media also erupted with praises for Team India skipper (ODI and Test).
However, while acknowledging Rohit's advice, a section of experts felt that credit should be given to the bowler (Karn) and captain (Hardik).
"There are many people who are there to give suggestions but it all depends on the person in the middle, who has to make the decision. He listened to the advice that was the biggest thing. If you give Rohit credit here as well and not Hardik Pandya, it would be the wrong thing," Sanjay Manjrekar said. Former cricketer Sanjay Banger also expressed a similar opinion.
Rohit's new milestone:
Despite his quick walk-back, Rohit was at his aggressive best before getting struck in front of the wickets. He smashed a six and 2 boundaries in his 18-run knock, taking on the likes of Mitch Starc.
With the lone six in the innings, Hitman became the first Indian batter to hit 50 sixes against a single team (Delhi Capitals) in IPL history. Rohit surpassed MS Dhoni, who has 49 miximums to his name against RCB.
Make Rohit captain again, fan urges Nita Ambani
The flames from the fires of last season's decision to replace Rohit Sharma as the captain are still burning bright.
In a video that is now viral across social media platforms, a fan, with folded hands, was seen pleading to Nida Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians franchise to make Rohit Sharma the captain.
"Madam, Madam, Rohit ko captain karo," the fan was heard saying to Nita Ambani. However, where and when the video was shot remains unknown.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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