IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma Relishes Completing the Game After Leading MI Past CSK

Synopsis

After facing criticism for a lack of significant performances, Rohit Sharma delivered a stellar unbeaten 76, guiding Mumbai Indians to victory over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. He reflected on overcoming self-doubt and the importance of finishing games, noting that the team is gaining momentum with three successive wins.

Key Takeaways

Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 76 to lead MI to victory.
The win marked MI's third consecutive triumph.
Rohit emphasized the significance of mental clarity in performance.
He shared insights on his batting strategy.
Having a stand named after him is a huge honor for Rohit.

Mumbai, April 20 (NationPress) After struggling to make a significant impact in the first seven games of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, India's captain Rohit Sharma found himself under intense scrutiny. In such challenging times, self-doubt can easily infiltrate a player’s mind and heighten the pressure, prompting a shift in approach to achieve success.

The former skipper of Mumbai Indians experienced a whirlwind of emotions as runs eluded him. Nevertheless, he persevered, absorbing the pressure while disregarding the multitude of opinions around him.

On Sunday, the 37-year-old, who has two T20 World Cup victories under his belt, silenced his critics with a stellar unbeaten 76, leading the Mumbai Indians to a nine-wicket victory over their fierce rivals, Chennai Super Kings, in Match 38 of IPL 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium. Rohit achieved his first half-century in eight innings and formed a vital 114-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav (68 not out) for the second wicket, paving the way for a convincing win.

“After a long time here, it’s easy to start questioning yourself and try different things. I needed to practice well and hit the ball well. When your mind is clear, moments like this can occur. It’s been a while, but self-doubt only adds pressure. Balancing your approach to play is crucial,” said Rohit Sharma during the post-match presentation.

Rohit, known as Hitman, shared insights on how he crafted his innings on Sunday and addressed the issues that had hindered his scoring this season.

“I aimed to hit the ball, but maintaining my form and extending my arms was also essential. If the ball is in my hitting zone, I wanted to execute my usual style. Consistency has been a challenge, but I refuse to doubt myself,” Rohit stated.

He expressed that the most fulfilling aspect of the match was his ability to conclude it successfully. He also noted that the Mumbai Indians are building momentum at the right time, having secured three consecutive wins.

“The rewarding part was finishing the game. We are hitting our stride, winning three in a row. Consecutive victories are crucial; we are in a favorable position,” he added.

Having led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, Rohit mentioned that entering as an Impact Substitute is part of the strategy and that it does not matter whether he steps in with two or three overs remaining in the opponent's innings.

“We discussed it. Two or three overs don’t significantly change the scenario. I’ve entered earlier in other matches, and it doesn’t help if you aren’t mentally prepared. I’m fine coming in for 4-5 overs or sitting in the dugout if that’s what the team requires,” said the 37-year-old, who is regarded as one of the finest in white-ball cricket.

The former captain expressed pride in having a stand named after him at the Wankhede Stadium. He even hit a six into the Devicha Pavilion, where the announcement board for the 'Rohit Sharma Stand' will soon be displayed.

“It looks quite distant! What an incredible honor. I used to come here as a child to watch games. There were times we weren’t allowed to enter. I’ve grown up playing on this ground, and now to have a stand named after me is a huge honor. I can’t imagine how I’ll feel when it’s actually unveiled,” he concluded.