Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma, right, and Ryan Rickelton shared a mammoth 143-run opening stand in the win over Lucknow Super Giants. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

The return of Rohit Sharma proved decisive as Mumbai Indians bounced back in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) after a string of defeats to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Out of the fray for three weeks due to a hamstring injury, Rohit immediately struck form, building a 143-run opening partnership with Ryan Rickelton to set the tone for Mumbai Indians’ run chase against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium.

“I think Rohit is just good, that’s the chemistry right there. Yeah, it’s nice to get out there (to bat) again with him. He’s been on the sideline for a bit, and to see him come back and play the way he did, so free-flowing, is something unique,” Rickelton, who was adjudged the Player of the Match, said.

READ | Pant rues missed chances in LSG’s defeat to MI

Rickelton admitted that their left-right opening combination adds value to the team’s batting approach. “We just complement each other nicely as a left-hand, right-hand. We score in different areas, and we’re quite clear in our method and who we want to put pressure on in the evening. So yeah, we’re blessed with a nice wicket and a nice place to bat as well here at the Wankhede,” Rickelton added.

While it was a memorable outing for MI, it was another evening of struggle for LSG captain Rishabh Pant as he failed to get going. However, head coach Justin Langer made it clear that Pant’s off-form has nothing to do with his Rs 27 crore price tag.

“I don’t think the money has anything to do with it at all. Leadership is a tough position, you’re carrying lots of pressure, and he knows that. He is carrying a lot of pressure for the team, and he does it, like all of us, with a smile on his face 98 per cent of the time,” Langer said.

Published on May 05, 2026