KKN Gurugram Desk | Mumbai Indians’ veteran opener and former captain Rohit Sharma turned back the clock with a vintage knock, scoring 81 off just 45 balls to guide his team to a formidable total of 228 runs in the IPL 2025 Eliminator against Gujarat Titans. The fiery innings not only laid the foundation for Mumbai’s eventual 20-run victory but also earned Rohit the well-deserved Player of the Match (POTM) award.

After the match, Rohit addressed the media with his trademark humility and attributed his performance to “luck”, saying, “Today was my day.”

Match Recap: MI vs GT – IPL 2025 Eliminator

In a high-octane clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Mumbai Indians faced Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator match of IPL 2025. With a place in Qualifier 2 at stake, both teams came out with strong playing XIs.

Opting to bat first, MI got off to a flying start with Rohit Sharma leading the charge. His 81-run knock came off just 45 deliveries, studded with 8 fours and 4 sixes. He found able support in Ishan Kishan and later Tim David, propelling MI to a daunting total of 228/4.

In reply, Gujarat Titans fought valiantly but could only manage 208/8 in their 20 overs. Despite a late flourish by Shubman Gill and Rahul Tewatia, GT fell short by 20 runs.

Rohit Sharma Reflects: “Today was just my day”

During the post-match presentation, when Rohit Sharma was handed the Player of the Match trophy, he was quick to point out that the innings might not have looked the same if luck hadn’t favored him.

“A few shots went straight into the gaps, a few catches were dropped — that’s T20 cricket. I just told myself to enjoy the moment. Today was just my day,” Rohit said with a smile.

Indeed, Rohit got a couple of lifelines during his innings. Gujarat Titans’ fielders dropped two key catches — both times when the opener was trying to accelerate.

Rohit’s Redemption Arc in IPL 2025

Rohit Sharma’s form had been under scrutiny leading into the playoffs. While he had started IPL 2025 with a couple of good knocks, the middle phase of the season saw inconsistency. However, the veteran’s ability to step up on the big stage was on full display in this knockout game.

His strike rate of 180+ and control percentage of over 75% against both pace and spin showed how calculated his assault was. Rohit’s intent was visible from the get-go — attacking the powerplay and maintaining pressure throughout the innings.

Stat Highlights of Rohit Sharma’s Knock:

• Runs Scored: 81

• Balls Faced: 45

• Strike Rate: 180

• Fours: 8

• Sixes: 4

• Boundary Percentage: 55%

Mumbai Indians in IPL Playoffs 2025: On the Rise Again

With this win, Mumbai Indians advanced to Qualifier 2, where they will face the loser of Qualifier 1 between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Under new leadership this season, with Hardik Pandya as captain, MI has managed to find rhythm at the right time. Rohit, though no longer leading, has continued to be the mentor and match-winner when it matters.

The balance of youth and experience — with Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, and Tim David performing alongside veterans like Rohit and Jasprit Bumrah — has been Mumbai’s biggest strength this season.

Fan Reactions: “Vintage Rohit” Trends on Social Media

Cricket fans and former players took to social media after the game, hailing Rohit Sharma’s comeback knock. #VintageRohit and #Hitman were among the top-trending hashtags on X (formerly Twitter).

Here are a few notable reactions:

• Harsha Bhogle: “Class is permanent. That was a classic Rohit Sharma innings – elegant, powerful, and match-defining.”

• Michael Vaughan: “When Rohit bats like this, there’s no better opener in world cricket. Sensational knock under pressure.”

• Sachin Tendulkar: “Rohit’s timing and shot selection today reminded me why he is called the Hitman.”

What’s Next for Rohit and Mumbai Indians?

With one hurdle cleared, Mumbai now needs to win Qualifier 2 to book their place in the IPL 2025 Final. While the team’s bowling still has a few areas of concern — especially the death overs — the batting unit looks formidable.

As for Rohit, this innings could well be the turning point of his season. A confident and in-form Rohit Sharma is a dangerous proposition for any opposition — and fans would be hoping he carries this momentum all the way to the final.

Rohit Sharma IPL Career at a Glance (As of IPL 2025 Eliminator)

• Matches: 254

• Runs: 6625

• Average: 32.75

• Strike Rate: 134.45

• 50s: 42

• 100s: 2

• Sixes: 240+

Rohit Sharma reminded the world why he is considered one of the greatest T20 batters of this generation. His match-winning innings in the IPL 2025 Eliminator wasn’t just about the runs — it was about experience, timing, and a bit of luck. As Rohit himself said, “It was just my day.”

With one eye on the IPL final, MI and Rohit Sharma will now prepare for the next big challenge. If he continues this form, don’t be surprised to see Rohit lifting the IPL trophy once again — this time as a senior statesman guiding the next generation.