It was yet another disappointing outing for Rohit Sharma as he was dismissed for just 13 runs during Monday’s IPL 2025 clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With a meager total of 21 runs in 3 matches so far, Rohit’s form has come under heavy criticism from both fans and experts. Despite hitting a six during his short stint at the crease, his dismissal by Andre Russell did little to mask his struggles. Social media users wasted no time in roasting him, with some even drawing jibes by comparing his performance unfavorably to that of MS Dhoni.
MI’s Dominant Team Performance
While Rohit’s batting woes were a talking point, MI’s overall performance in the match was nothing short of commanding. The game was defined by two standout displays:
Ashwani Kumar’s Record-Breaking Debut:
The 23-year-old left-arm seamer from Punjab’s Jhanjeri became the first Indian to take four wickets on IPL debut. Finishing with impressive figures of 3-0-24-4, Ashwani decimated KKR’s star-studded batting lineup, signaling his arrival as a major force in MI’s bowling attack. With only four senior T20 matches, four List A games, and two Ranji Trophy matches under his belt, his rich returns have heralded a new era for MI’s seamers.
Ryan Rickelton’s Impactful Batting:
Complementing the bowling masterclass was Ryan Rickelton’s scintillating knock of 62 not out off 41 balls. Rickelton’s innings, laced with boundaries and sixes, powered MI to an eight-wicket victory, as they chased down the target with 7.1 overs to spare.
Additional contributions came from Suryakumar Yadav, who played a quick cameo of 27* off just 9 balls, finishing the match with a stylish six behind the wicket, further adding to MI’s comprehensive win.
A Collective Effort
MI’s victory was not the result of one individual performance alone. Deepak Chahar (2/19), Trent Boult (1/23), and Hardik Pandya (1/10) provided crucial breakthroughs that ensured KKR crumbled for the lowest total of this season—116 in just 16.2 overs. Their disciplined bowling, combined with Ashwani’s debut brilliance and Rickelton’s explosive batting, set the stage for a memorable win that allowed MI to snap a two-match losing streak.
The Road Ahead
As the IPL 2025 unfolds, MI will look to build on this dominant performance and regain momentum, while Rohit Sharma faces mounting pressure to rediscover his form. With MI’s emerging talents like Ashwani Kumar and consistent performers like Rickelton stepping up, the stage is set for an intriguing season ahead.
