Rohit Sharma silenced critics with a blistering 81 off 50 balls in the IPL Eliminator, helping Mumbai Indians post 228/5 and knock out Gujarat Titans by 20 runs. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene hailed Rohit Sharma as a “big-game player” whose experience can’t be replaced.
Rohit’s match-winning innings came after a mini-slump—three games without a fifty. Some had even started whispering whether the fire in his belly had gone cold. The answer? An emphatic no.
Why Jayawardene’s Praise Matters
Jayawardene didn’t just pat Rohit on the back—he made a statement. Speaking after the game, the MI coach said:
“In big games, he has a different gear. That’s what experience does. You cannot replace that.”
Translation for fans? There’s a reason Rohit has five IPL titles. He knows when to show up—and he did it again when MI needed him most.
MI’s Tactical Shift and Bairstow Boost
Let’s be honest: Rohit didn’t do it alone. Jonny Bairstow went berserk early on, smashing 47 off 22 balls. That gave Rohit the breathing room to find rhythm—and then take over.
Jayawardene praised the opening partnership and MI’s smart bowling tweaks.
“We switched to yorkers because slower balls weren’t working,” he said.
The plan worked. MI’s bowlers held firm in the death overs despite the flat pitch.
Big Game, Big Culture
The win wasn’t just about stats—it was about mindset. Jayawardene pointed out MI’s winning culture, driven by experienced players who know how to absorb pressure.
“My job is to guide the new guys and build the ‘never die’ attitude,” he said.
It’s the kind of talk that separates title contenders from the rest.
Rohit’s knock wasn’t just a stat sheet filler—it was a statement. A reminder that some players thrive when the stakes are highest.
It also means that MI, despite a season of ups and downs, are peaking at the right time. And with Jayawardene hailing Rohit Sharma, the message is clear: the old guard still rules when the pressure’s on.
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