Is Rohit Sharma the most important player for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, or is he an absolute crowd favorite? The answers to these questions might vary, but there’s hardly any doubt, that he’s their most successful, be it as a former captain or as a player. Once again, on Wednesday, entire India will witness Rohit in action, as MI take on Sunrisers Hyderabad, at the Uppal Stadium.
The encounter will be a special one for the Hitman, who will be playing his 200th match for the franchise, who has played a major part in his success. Needless to say, he has been an absolute stalwart, with whom Mumbai has seen more good days, than the bad ones. And Rohit too, has thrived as a player.
Rohit Sharma’s Numbers Speak Volumes
If one was to track down his MI journey, exceptional would be an understatement. He has scored 5054 runs, at an average of 29.39, with 34 fifties and a ton. And it looks like, the journey will only continue.
MI’s Rohit vs Opponents
Rohit loves batting against CSK and KKR and has scored tons of runs against the two sides. In fact, majority of his fifties (13) have come against these oppositions. Versus Delhi Capitals, he has five and PBKS and RCB, come in next with four fifties each. That just shows, he has come up with good performances across teams, and it just not dependent on one team to score heavily.
Season by Season
Although his returns in the last two years have come down a bit, but then his form leading up to the IPL, and in the first match against GT, where he scored 43, has been sensational. And there’s no reason why he can’t be at the top of his game in the T20s once again. After all, this is the T20 World Cup year, and the 36-year-old would be itching to contribute massively with the bat.
Just for the record, in 2022, Rohit could only muster 268 runs in 14 matches, at an average of 19 — his worst year so far. In 2023, it he ended up with 332 from 16 matches, at an average of 20.
Hardik Pandya Captaincy Factor
While many might not agree with Rohit being removed from captaincy, and the appointment of Hardik as the MI skipper, but it might just work in his favour, by relieving him of additional duties, when he is already overburdened with India leadership. He is long due for a great season, and 2024 might be it.
