In the recent IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 17, Rohit Sharma gave fans a glimpse of his vintage form. Despite a modest tally of 82 runs from 6 matches at an average of 13.67, Rohit appeared far from out of touch in this encounter.

On a pitch that made batting difficult—troubling even the likes of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen—Rohit showed composure. He took his time initially, gauging the conditions, and then unleashed a few trademark strokes. One edge flew over the ropes off Shami, but the following six—a clean pull—was classic Rohit.

Even Pat Cummins wasn’t spared, as Rohit struck him confidently, igniting hopes of a signature innings. Unfortunately, the excitement was short-lived, as he was caught by Travis Head soon after—a promising knock cut off before it could flourish.

More Than Just the Numbers

Though the big score didn’t materialize, Rohit’s timing and confidence signaled that he's close to regaining top form. One strong innings might be all he needs to fully get back into his groove.

It’s important to note that Rohit’s role in the Mumbai Indians (MI) setup isn't just about scoring centuries. Over time, he's prioritized the team’s needs above personal milestones. As an opener, his primary job is to go hard in the powerplay, set the tone, and provide early momentum—even if it means sacrificing consistency.

Former cricketer Michael Clarke echoed this sentiment after the match, saying Rohit’s contribution lies in setting up the game for MI rather than chasing personal glory. Clarke pointed out that while fans long for a big Rohit knock, his aggressive approach helps the team more than a cautious innings would.

A Frustrated Genius on the Cusp of a Comeback

Clarke also noted that Rohit appears visibly frustrated with his recent dismissals—proof that he’s aware of his form and the missed opportunities. But that frustration could fuel a strong comeback.

Clarke believes if Rohit had the liberty to settle in and build his innings slowly, he’d be scoring heavily. But given MI’s strategy and his aggressive mandate, he often has to take risks early on.

Eyes on the Big Clash

With a high-voltage clash—El Clasico—up next for MI, Rohit will be eager to make a statement. After all, it was in this very fixture last season that he smashed his second IPL century. The stage is perfectly set for the 'Hitman' to silence the critics and remind everyone of his match-winning prowess.