Rohit Sharma’s Big Test: Can the Hitman Fire in IPL 2025 Knockouts for MI’s Sixth Title Chase?

May 30, 2025: As the Mumbai Indians (MI) gear up for a do-or-die Eliminator clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma, fondly called Mumbai Cha Raja (Mumbai’s King). The veteran opener and former skipper will play a pivotal role with the bat and as a senior figure, as MI eyes a spot in Qualifier 2 and moves one step closer to a record-extending sixth IPL title.

The high-stakes match will take place at Mullanpur on Friday, with the winner set to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a shot at the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Also Read: Virat Kohli’s ‘Paani Pilata Hai’ Remark to Musheer Khan Triggers Massive Debate

So far this season, Rohit has had a mixed run, scoring 329 runs in 13 innings at an average of 27.41 and a strike rate of 147.53, including three fifties and a top score of 76 not out*. He remains MI’s second-highest scorer this season, behind Suryakumar Yadav (640 runs) and Ryan Rickelton (388 runs).

However, it’s Rohit’s underwhelming knockout record that raises concerns. In 21 IPL playoff appearances (for both MI and Deccan Chargers), he has scored only 316 runs at a low average of 15.80 and a strike rate of 108.96. He has just two fifties in these games—both coming in IPL finals (2015 vs CSK and 2020 vs DC).

In his last 10 playoff innings, the “Hitman” has managed only 207 runs at an average of 20.70.

But there’s a milestone on the horizon—Rohit is just 43 runs away from becoming only the second player (after Virat Kohli’s 8,618 runs) to score 7,000 runs in IPL history. Currently, in 270 matches, he has 6,957 runs, with two centuries and 46 fifties.

Can Rohit Sharma finally break his playoff jinx and deliver when it matters most? MI fans will be hoping that the seasoned campaigner steps up under pressure and powers the team closer to its sixth crown.