Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
New Delhi: Rohit Sharma was seen in his true colours, batting in his typical style and sending bowlers all over the park with full authority in IPL 2026 when Mumbai Indians took on Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match.The decision to bowl first was not a success for the five-time champions as KKR made 220/4 in their 20 overs. But when Rohit came out to open alongside Ryan Rickleton, the intent was clear – to control the chase.
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The duo presented in style. Rickleton and Rohit slammed quick fifties to lead Mumbai Indians to a comfortable six-wicket win – their first win in an opener in 13 seasons.Chasing 221, Rickleton (81 off 43 balls) and Rohit (78 off 38) put together a 148-run opening off just 71 balls, laying the perfect foundation.
In the end, Mumbai Indians chased down the target in 19.1 overs, finishing at 224/4. It was their highest successful home run chase.While Rickleton hit four boundaries and eight sixes, Rohit’s knock was studded with six fours and a maximum six, underscoring his dominance at the top.In the process, Rohit also surpassed Virat Kohli to score the most goals scored against a single team in the history of the Indian Premier League.Rohit now has 1161 runs in 36 matches against KKR, achieved while representing both Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians.
Kohli, who spent his entire Indian Premier League career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, previously held the record with 1,160 runs against Chennai Super Kings in 36 matches.
| player | Team(s) | Matches | Runs | opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians | 36 | 1161 | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 36 | 1160 | Chennai Super Kings |
| Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 36 | 1159 | Kings of Punjab |
| Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 32 | 1154 | delhi capitals |
| David Warner | Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad | 26 | 1134 | Kings of Punjab |
| Shekhar Dhawan | Deccan Chargers, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad | 30 | 1105 | Chennai Super Kings |
| David Warner | Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad | 28 | 1093 | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Rohit Sharma | Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians | 37 | 1057 | delhi capitals |
| Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 36 | 1021 | Kolkata Knight Riders |
Mumbai Indians will now face Delhi Capitals on April 4 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
