5 best knocks of Rohit Sharma in the history of IPL
Posted - 2024-08-13T14:38:48+06:00
Updated - 2024-08-13T14:38:48+06:00
Rohit Sharma, often referred to as the Hitman for his six-hitting abilities has had a stellar IPL career. The veteran cricketer can take pride in the fact that he has led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles.
He excelled as a captain and batter for the franchise. However, in recent seasons, his form has seen a noticeable decline, with his average dropping below 30. He was sacked from the captaincy post just ahead of the IPL 2024 season, a move that caused chaos in MI fraternity.
Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as the new captain but the recent change didn't work at all as the franchise finished at the bottom of the group stage points table. Cut to the chase, let's take a look at the five best knocks of Rohit Sharma in the history of the IPL.
1. 50 off 26 balls vs Chennai Super Kings (IPL 2015 final)
In a high-pressure IPL 2015 final at Eden Gardens in Kohli, Rohit Sharma played the game with intent when it mattered and helped Mumbai Indians post a competitive total of 202/5. He smacked six fours and two sixes during his stay at the crease. In reply, CSK failed to chase down the target as MI won by 41 runs. Rohit was named the Man of the Match for his quickfire knock.
2. 109 off 60 balls vs Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2012)
Rohit Sharma who has enjoyed batting well at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, played a brilliant innings wherein he paced his innings with the help of 12 fours and 5 sixes. His unbeaten century helped Mumbai Indians post a big total of 182/1. In reply, KKR posted 155/4 as MI won the game by 27 runs. It still remains one of Rohit's most memorable IPL innings. Rohit was adjudged the Man of the Match.
3. 94 off 52 balls vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL 2018)
Batting first, MI posted 213/6 in their quota of 20 overs, thanks to Rohit's 94 off 52 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He played a captain's knock but was six runs short of missing on a well-deserved century. Hitman gave the RCB bowlers a run for their money by constructing his knock with the help of 10 fours and 5 sixes. RCB ended up at 167/8 as MI won by 46 runs.
4. 79 off 39 balls vs Kings XI Punjab (IPL 2013)
Rohit Sharma was at his destructive best against the Mohali-based franchise during the IPL 2013 edition. He took the bowling attack to the cleaners by hitting 6 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate in excess of 200. The captain's innings played a pivotal role in helping Mumbai Indians posting 174/3 in their quota of 20 overs. In reply, the Punjab franchise came agonizingly close to pulling off the run-chase but lost the game by 4 runs.
5. 32 off 13 balls vs Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2008)
In the first IPL edition in South Africa, Rohit Sharma delivered a stunning match-winning knock of 32 off 13 balls* against KKR in Johannesburg. Chasing 161, Deccan Chargers (now-defunct franchise) needed 22 runs in the final over. Rohit upped his ante starting with a boundary and later hitting a six to reduce the equation. He followed it up with a four and then sealed the win with a six off the last ball. His explosive innings, featuring 3 sixes and 2 fours, turned what seemed like an impossible chase into a miraculous win for DC.