[WATCH] IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma’s intent helps Mumbai Indians go big in Eliminator vs GT

In the ongoing Eliminator match of the IPL 2025 in New Chandigarh, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya took a bold decision to bat first against the Gujarat Titans. While the decision drew notice following Punjab Kings’ astounding 101-all-out on the same venue the day before. However, it was Rohit Sharma who received two lifelines in short succession within the first three overs, and the veteran made the most of the lost opportunities.

In the second over, he mistimed Prasidh Krishna’s short ball, giving Gerald Coetzee a simple high catch at deep square leg. However, the South African mishandled the regulation catch.

In the next over, Rohit Sharma got an edge off Mohammed Siraj, but wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis dropped it behind the stumps.

The Nagpur-born player responded well, punishing the GT bowlers all over the park, including a clean boundary off Siraj. Along with Jonny Bairstow, who was making his Mumbai debut, the duo worked effectively together to lead MI to their season-high powerplay score.

🤯😳🤩😍@ImRo45 was at his dazzling best! A jaw-dropping shot in a batting masterclass in the Eliminator! 💥

LIVE NOW ➡ https://t.co/ratPT4LZKS#IPLPlayoffs | Eliminator 👉 #GTvMI on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar!#MumbaiIndians #GujaratTitans #MIvsGT pic.twitter.com/bffHV7ouqH

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 30, 2025

By the end of six overs, MI had reached 79 for no loss. Rohit Sharma went all out against R Sai Kishore in the final over of the powerplay, sweeping him for two boundaries and a six to finish. While Bairstow hammered a 22-ball 47 with four boundaries and three sixes, including a 26-run over off Prasidh.

However, the English batter departed in the eighth over, courtesy of an impressive fielding effort from Sai Sudharsan and a catch by Coetzee. Rohit, who reached his fifty in just 28 balls with MI’s scorecard reading 120/1 by the 11th over, departed in the 17th over after adding 81 runs off just 50 balls, which paved the way for a huge total on the board for the five-time champions.