IPL 2026: Rohit Sharma shines as MI beat KKR in season opener

Rohit Sharma scored 78 runs in 38 balls to guide the Mumbai Indians to a record victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders. MI chased the target of 221 runs with 6 wickets in hand to win their first game of the season.

Earlier, KKR put up a big total of 220 runs at the end of 20 overs, largely thanks to innings from Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. KKR skipper Rahane scored 67 runs in 40 balls while Raghuvanshi scored 51 runs off 29 balls. 

During the innings break, KKR looked in a strong position in the match. However, the Mumbai Indians started strong with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickleton to take the game away from the KKR.

Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickleton stitched a partnership of 148 runs in under 12 overs to give MI a fast start. The duo dominated from the off, attacking the KKR bowlers in the powerplay. 

KKR`s spinners Chakravarthy and Narine failed to have an impact on the game as MI openers took the game away from the visitors. 

Rohit eventually departed after scoring 78 runs after he skied a full toss. Anukul Roy took a brilliant catch diving full strength to send the former Indian skipper back to the pavilion. Suyakumar Yadav scored 16 runs in 8 balls to keep KKR under pressure.

Ryan Rickleton was the star of the show for MI, scoring 81 runs in 43 balls to help the Mumbai Indians win by 6 wickets. The South African star was run out later in the innings after a direct hit from Anukul Toy.

Mumbai Indians win their opening match for the first time since 2012

Mumbai Indians registered a victory in their first match of the season for the first time since 2012. MI had not won their opening match of the campaign in the last 13 attempts.

Mumbai Indian`s win put them joint top of the table with RCB, who won their match against SRH on Saturday. MI start as the strong favourites to win a record sixth IPL title, and their first since 2020. MI`s next match will be against the Delhi Capitals on April 4.