Rohit Sharma’s Struggles with the Bat Threaten Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 Title Hopes
In a dramatic turn of events at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Mumbai Indians (MI) suffered a crushing 7-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings on Monday, shattering their dreams of a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 league stage. While the loss in their final league match stung, the deeper wound lies in the prolonged slump of their talismanic opener and India’s ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, whose lack of form has become a glaring concern for the five-time champions.
In a must-win encounter that could have secured MI a spot in Qualifier 1, Rohit managed a painstaking 24 off 21 balls, with a strike rate of just 114.29. Though he partnered with Ryan Rickelton for a 45-run opening stand in 5 overs, his innings lacked the trademark flair and aggression that has defined his illustrious career. This tepid performance contributed to MI posting a below-par total, which Punjab Kings chased down effortlessly, leaving MI’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
A closer look at Rohit’s numbers in IPL 2025 paints a worrying picture. The seasoned batsman has accumulated 329 runs in 13 matches at an average of 27.42, with three half-centuries to his name. However, a staggering 199 runs of his total came from just three explosive innings during MI’s mid-season resurgence—a match-winning 76* against Chennai Super Kings, a fiery 70 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and a gritty 53 against Rajasthan Royals. Outside these standout knocks, Rohit has managed a mere 130 runs across 10 innings, with dismal scores like 0, 5, 7, and 8 exposing the fragility at the top of MI’s batting order.
MI’s campaign began on a rocky note with four losses in their first five games, and Rohit’s inability to provide solid starts played a significant role in those early setbacks. While Suryakumar Yadav turned the tide for MI with a record-breaking season—amassing 640 runs in 14 games at a blistering pace—relying on one man’s brilliance is a dangerous game in a tournament as competitive as the IPL. Rohit’s inconsistency has left the team vulnerable, especially against quality bowling attacks in crunch situations.
As MI now shift gears for the high-pressure Eliminator on May 30, the spotlight is firmly on their captain. With a legacy of leading MI to five IPL titles, Rohit’s experience in knockout games is undeniable. However, stats from his recent IPL seasons reveal a troubling trend—since 2022, his average in knockout matches has dipped below 20, a far cry from his earlier heroics. For MI to dream of a record-extending sixth title, Rohit must rediscover the form that once made him the ‘Hitman’ of T20 cricket.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but if there’s one player who thrives under pressure, it’s Rohit Sharma. Can he silence his critics and steer MI to glory once more? Or will his ongoing struggles prove to be the final nail in the coffin for MI’s IPL 2025 aspirations? As the knockout stage looms, one thing is certain—every eye will be on Mumbai’s captain to deliver when it matters most.