Credit: IPL
India captain Rohit Sharma has made some incredible contributions in the evolution of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 37-year-old played a vital role with his captaincy in making Mumbai, the most successful team in the league alongside Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who have won five titles in the distinguished T20 tournament. Back in 2013, when he was appointed captain, the team was without any title win. In December 2023, when he was removed from the role, MI were five-time champions. Noting this breathtaking fact, let’s discuss Rohit Sharma’s greatest captaincy moments in IPL history.
5. Giving the ball to Jasprit Bumrah to bowl the Super Over against Gujarat Lions in IPL 2017
In the IPL 2017 game between MI and Gujarat Lions in Rajkot, when the game went to the Super Over, Rohit trusted young Jasprit Bumrah for defending only 11 runs against dangerous Brendon McCullum and Aaron Finch. As a result, the pacer faced both veterans incredibly and contained Gujarat on six runs.
4. Leading MI from the front against DC in the IPL 2020 final
In 2020, Mumbai beat Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and bagged their fifth title under the opener’s leadership. Chasing 157 runs, Rohit neutralised Delhi’s bowling unit and played an exceptional knock of 68 off 51 with five fours and four maximums.
3. Trusting Lasith Malinga for the last over in the IPL 2019 final against CSK
In 2019, the IPL final between MI and CSK took an intriguing turn with the latter requiring only nine runs in the final over. In the crunch situation, Rohit showed faith in Lasith Malinga’s experience and handed him the responsibility to bowl the crucial over. Malinga didn’t disappoint his skipper and delivered Mumbai a one-run win.
2. Taking reins from Ricky Ponting in 2013 and guiding the team to the title triumph on captaincy debut
In 2013, when Rohit Sharma took MI’s captaincy reins from Ricky Ponting, the India player changed the team’s approach in the tournament to help the side clinch their maiden trophy. Under him, Mumbai made a comeback after losing to CSK in the first qualifier in the playoffs. It was his leadership effort that helped MI bounce back and taste title success after beating Rajasthan Royals (RR) and CSK in the knockout contests.
1. Beating MS Dhoni-led CSK three times in IPL finals
In IPL, MI gave a tough time to the MS Dhoni-led CSK from 2013 to 2022. During this period, Mumbai dominated Chennai in IPL finals, played in 2013, 2015, and 2019. In all three editions, it was Rohit’s aggressive captaincy that helped Mumbai vanquish Dhoni’s astute CSK and went ahead in terms of title wins.
