An era concluded as Mumbai Indians (MI) opted for a change, replacing Rohit Sharma as captain with Hardik Pandya for IPL 2024. Despite citing the transition as the reason, it doesn’t diminish the acknowledgment that Rohit has been one of the best IPL captains, standing alongside MS Dhoni.
Over the span of a decade, Rohit secured an impressive five IPL titles and a Champions League T20 as the captain of Mumbai Indians. The legacy he has established is likely unparalleled and challenging for any team leader to replicate.
Among the countless memorable moments Rohit Sharma provided to MI fans, here are five that distinguish themselves from the others.
#1 Assuming the captaincy from Ricky Ponting and leading MI to their first IPL title victory
After five seasons, MI’s closest encounter with the title was reaching the IPL 2010 final. Ricky Ponting was appointed captain in 2013, but he opted to resign after a few matches, citing subpar batting performances.
Mumbai made a pivotal decision that reshaped their IPL trajectory by appointing a young Rohit Sharma to lead the team. He promptly delivered, securing victory in that very season by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final. Yet, this was not the only instance where he outperformed MS Dhoni and his team.
#2 Outstanding Player of the Match display with a counter-attacking approach in the final
A few years later, Rohit Sharma confronted MS Dhoni in the IPL 2015 final at the Eden Gardens. After an early dismissal of Parthiv Patel for a duck, Mumbai needed a momentum shift.
Captain Rohit Sharma took charge, blasting a rapid half-century in just 25 balls, providing MI the boost they required. They concluded with a formidable total of 202/5, proving insurmountable for CSK, who ultimately lost by 41 runs.
#3 Another final, another standout captain’s performance by Rohit Sharma
Despite Mumbai Indians being the dominant force in the IPL 2020 season, they felt the absence of Rohit Sharma in some matches due to injury. In the final, pursuing a challenging target of 157, MI required a strong beginning, and Rohit ensured Quinton de Kock had the freedom to play aggressively from one end.
Even though Mumbai lost a couple of wickets, Rohit Sharma played an important innings of 68 runs, making sure there were no more problems in MI’s chase. It marked a great ending to a nearly perfect season as Rohit Sharma lifted his fifth trophy as captain.
#4 Thrilling last-ball encounter with RPS
Mumbai Indians achieved two final victories with a slim one-run margin, highlighting Rohit Sharma’s captaincy prowess in critical situations. Krunal Pandya’s brave innings of 47 on a challenging pitch helped MI reach a competitive total of 129/8.
Despite the seemingly below-par score, Rohit Sharma managed his bowlers effectively, leading to a nail-biting finish. The iconic image of Rohit running with the cap in hand after Washington Sundar’s run-out on the final ball is now etched in MI’s history.
#5 Having faith in Lasith Malinga to bowl the last over in the 2019 final against CSK
Despite Lasith Malinga struggling in his first three overs during the 2019 IPL final against CSK, Rohit Sharma had faith in him to defend nine runs in the last over. Remarkably, Malinga executed precise yorkers, reducing the equation to two runs off the final ball.
A slower yorker confused Shardul Thakur, resulting in his dismissal, and MI secured another final victory. Rohit’s ecstatic reaction showcased his captaincy brilliance and reliance on key players, contributing to Mumbai’s success against CSK.
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