[WATCH] IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma's intent helps Mumbai Indians go big in Eliminator against Gujarat Titans

In the ongoing Eliminator clash of the IPL 2025 at New Chandigarh, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya made a strong call to bat first against the Gujarat Titans. While the decision caught attention after Punjab Kings’ shocking 101 all-out on the same ground a day earlier. However, it was Rohit Sharma who was handed two lifelines in quick succession inside the first three overs, and the veteran made sure to make the most of the missed opportunities. 

In the second over, he mistimed a short ball from Prasidh Krishna and gave a simple high catch to Gerald Coetzee at deep square leg. However, the South African fumbled the regulation catch. In the very next over, Rohit got an edge off Mohammed Siraj, only for wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis to drop it behind the stumps. 

The Nagpur-born replied brilliantly as he punished the GT bowlers all over the park, including a straight boundary off Siraj. Alongside Jonny Bairstow, who was making his debut for Mumbai, the duo supported each other well, as they took MI to their best powerplay score of the season.

Star Sports@StarSportsIndia

Straight as an arrow! 🎯 After a couple of lifelines, @ImRo45 makes it count with a stunning straight boundary off #MohammedSiraj! 💥 LIVE NOW ➡ hotstar.onelink.me/rL9Z/tkpnwz47 #IPLPlayoffs | #Eliminator 👉 #GTvMI on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! #MumbaiIndians #GujaratTitans

07:58 PM · May 30, 2025

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By the end of six overs, MI had reached 79 for no loss. Rohit 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.