Rohit Sharma, the former India captain returned to form with 84 off 44 balls and along with opener Ryan Rickelton put on a world-class performance from where Mumbai Indians cruised to a comfortable six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in match four of the Indian Premier League (IPL) here Monday night.
Rohit, who missed five matches due to a hamstring injury return, was well partnered with Rickelton whose explosive 83 off 32 balls gave them the start they needed for another chase at Wankhede Stadium.
Mumbai were set a difficult target after winning the toss and opting to bowl first with Lucknow making 228 for five. Mitchell Marsh top scored for Australia with 44, whilst Nicholas Pooran smashed 63 off just 21 balls. There was also a crucial 40 from Himmat Singh, continuing to keep pressure on the home side.
Rohit and Rickelton opened for Mumbai, rapidly putting the opposition under pressure. Rohit pummelled six fours and seven sixes; South Africa wicketkeeper batter Rickelton struck six fours and eight sixes in batting-friendly conditions.
Mohsin Khan sent Rickelton back and M Siddharth removed Rohit, but Mumbai stayed in control throughout. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav steadied things for Mumbai before Will Jacks and Naman Dhir helped Mumbai chase the target with eight deliveries to spare.
In the absence of regular captain Hardik Pandya, who was out of action after falling ill, Yadav captained the side.
Rickelton was Player of the Match and he also heaped praise on his opening partner.
One of Mumbaikar’s best, one of Indien’s best. It has been a pleasure batting with him. Rickelton said: “My game fits this surface.
“Well enjoyed it — ball flies here”. Always looking to get better. It makes my role clearer, with the class that we have.
Rohit stepped back and Mumbai had previously struggled without their skipper but he changed the game as hosts chased down the highest successful IPL run — in their history. On the other hand, Lucknow suffered its sixth consecutive defeat.
Mumbai, five-times champions are languishing ninth in the table with six points from 10 matches, while Lucknow occupy last place with four from 10 in the 10-team competition. Teams ranked in the top four in the table, which maintains a unified points total for all teams competing across banners, qualify for playoffs.