It had been a par IPL for Rohit Sharma up until tonight. Some good efforts coupled with ordinary ones, he was still searching for that one extraordinary innings that stood out for him and his team. That’s what happened tonight. When it mattered the most, Rohit came into his own for Mumbai Indians to seal the deal.
While Jonny Bairstow provided early momentum, it was Rohit thereafter for a while. All his trademark shots came out and his fans started to find voice. Under pressure, the former India captain played an innings of real class. Fifty came up in no time and thanks to Rohit, MI were the contest. When he was finally dismissed for 81, his team was sure of crossing 200 and seemed in control.
At the start of the IPL, many had questioned Rohit’s place in the team. Why is he holding on was the refrain. While Rohit is on record saying he isn’t retiring just yet, some weren’t convinced. With Rohit, it is like if he believes he can serve MI and contribute, he will stay on. If he isn’t sure of himself, he will quit. That’s him: straightforward and simple. Rohit isn’t one to hold on to his spot and he will only do so if he is convinced he can make a difference. Tonight was proof of his class and yet again, this added to his aura as one of IPL’s best ever players.
This is one trait that binds greatness. The zeal and the willingness to embrace the occasion and the deep seated desire to be a hero. Rohit, in this IPL, is no different. As one of the best of this era, he knows he can still win games for MI and in doing so, can raise his bat to the appreciation of the crowd and to the millions of fans who idolise him. He has struggled to get to where he has. He has looked ugly at times. But true to his motto, he has never given up and MI fans should be appreciative of the effort. One more game and it’s another chance at an IPL title. A possible sixth for MI, something that no other team has achieved so far. More than anyone else, the occasion will not be lost on Rohit.
At home in the 2023 World Cup, Rohit changed the very template with which India played its white ball cricket. Aggressive from the start, it was a very different Rohit. And a very different India. That’s what it has been about him. Reinventing himself time and again for the sake of the team. Selfless and committed. And in doing so, giving his team match-winning starts and setting things up. Rohit is a true leader and for someone of his calibre it is never about individual glory. Ask him tonight and he will tell you the job is only a third done. One more game and it could be a Rohit vs Virat final. Whoever wins, India will win. And brand IPL.
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