- Wednesday, June 04, 2025
The veteran batter was declared player of the match for scoring a breezy 81 off 50 balls to guide Mumbai to a win over Gujarat Titans
By: India Weekly
ROHIT SHARMA was delighted to play a major role in Mumbai Indians’ victory over Gujarat Titans in a must-win IPL Eliminator match Mullanpur, but regrets not scoring enough runs this season for his IPL franchise.
The veteran batter was declared player of the match for scoring a breezy 81 off 50 balls to guide Mumbai to a comfortable 228 for five, which proved good enough for a 20-run win over the Titans.
Mumbai would play Qualifier 2 meeting with Punjab Kings on June 1 at Ahmedabad.
In a post-match presentation, Sharma said, “I’ve got only four fifties (this IPL season). I think I would have liked to get more.”
He also underlined the importance of a couple of reprieves he got during his innings.
“Today, after having the 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.”
Sharma lauded his opening partner Jonny Bairstow in helping him give a thunderous start to Mumbai innings.
“I’ve watched Bairstow over the years from the other side. We know what he can do upfront with the bat. He took his chances, and it came off. We always look for that kind of start,” Sharma said.
Mumbai skipper Hardik Pandya lauded the openers for giving his side a flying start.
“The way Jonny started, for him to make his debut for us and the way Rohit batted. He took his time. When you see important games, all these margins help.”.
Pandya said having the services of a master fast bowler like Jasprit Bumrah is a luxury for him at any stage of the game.
“Whenever you feel the game is going far away, just get him.”
Gujarat Titans’ skipper Shubman Gill lamented that the last few overs, during which Pandya made a quick-fire 22 off 9 balls, proved costly for his side.
He was also upset with the dropped catches the helped Mumbai get off the hook.
Gill said the team management had given the freedom to Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar to go all out in a tall chase.
The Gujarat skipper, however, lauded Sai Sudharsan, who along with Washington Sundar added 84 runs for the third wicket.
