In a dramatic turn of events at the Wankhede Stadium, the Mumbai Indians (MI) secured a much-needed confidence boost with an emphatic 8-wicket victory against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in their latest IPL 2025 encounter on March 31, 2025. However, the win did little to alleviate the growing concerns surrounding the form of their star opener, Rohit Sharma, who continued to struggle at the crease.
Rohit Sharma, who has been under immense scrutiny for his recent performances, managed to score only 13 runs off 12 balls against KKR, adding to his disappointing tally of just 21 runs in three matches this season. This poor performance has sparked calls from fans and analysts alike for MI to reconsider his position in the starting lineup. In fact, Rohit’s overall IPL average has now plummeted to a disheartening 29.42 after 260 matches, raising eyebrows among cricket pundits.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan did not hold back in his criticism of Rohit’s performances, stating, "You look at his numbers, you’ve got to remember, we’re judging Rohit just as a batter now, because he’s not the captain. Now, I think you can get away with average numbers, and they’re average numbers. If your name’s not Rohit Sharma, you’re probably losing your place in the side at some stage with those numbers. They’re not good enough for a player like Rohit Sharma." Vaughan's words resonate strongly with many fans who have expressed their frustrations on social media.
Despite his dismal form, Vaughan advised MI to maintain their faith in Rohit, emphasizing his experience and leadership qualities. "I’m not saying that they’ll get rid of him. I’m not going to drop him. Come on, get us off to a start. Get your flow back, get your rhythm back, get your mojo back. Because for Mumbai to go and put right what they’ve not done right in the first two games, it does require that senior core to produce," Vaughan added.
The match itself saw MI bounce back from a disappointing start to the season, having lost their first two matches against Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. The victory against KKR not only lifted MI from the bottom of the IPL standings but also relegated KKR to the tenth position. MI’s bowlers, particularly Ashwani Kumar, who made a sensational debut with a record four-wicket haul, played a crucial role in this win. Kumar’s figures of 4 wickets for just 24 runs helped dismantle KKR’s batting lineup, which crumbled for the lowest total of the season at just 116 runs in 16.2 overs.
Ryan Rickelton also made headlines with a stellar performance, scoring an unbeaten 62 off 41 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav contributed a quick-fire 27 not out. This collective effort allowed MI to chase down the target comfortably with 7.1 overs to spare, providing a much-needed morale boost for the team.
After the match, Rohit Sharma was seen chatting with MI owner Nita Ambani, a moment that quickly went viral on social media. Fans speculated about the nature of their conversation, particularly in light of Rohit’s recent struggles. The opener has faced heavy criticism for his lack of runs, especially after he recorded his 18th duck in the IPL earlier this season against Chennai Super Kings.
Rohit’s current form starkly contrasts with his performance in the previous season, where he finished as MI’s highest run-scorer with 417 runs at an average of 32.07. His ability to score runs when it mattered most was evident during the ICC Champions Trophy, where he played a match-winning innings of 76 against New Zealand in the final. However, the question remains whether he can recapture that form in the ongoing IPL.
As MI prepares for their next match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 4, 2025, the focus will undoubtedly be on Rohit Sharma and whether he can turn around his fortunes. The team’s success in the tournament may heavily depend on its senior players, including Rohit, stepping up their game in the coming matches.
In conclusion, while the Mumbai Indians celebrated their victory against KKR, the challenges that lie ahead for Rohit Sharma are significant. The pressure is mounting for the veteran opener to deliver, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can rise to the occasion in the forthcoming matches of IPL 2025.
