Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma was seen in his true colours, batting in his signature style and sending bowlers all over the park with absolute authority in IPL 2026 as Mumbai Indians took on Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match.The decision to bat first didn’t work for the five-time champions as KKR amassed a dismal 220/4 in 20 overs. But when Rohit came out to open alongside Ryan Rickelton, the intent was clear – to take control of the chase.
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Delhi Capitals unveil new kit ahead of IPL 2026The duo performed in style. Rickelton and Rohit hit a quickfire fifties to power Mumbai Indians to a comfortable six-wicket win – their first opening match win in 13 seasons.Chasing 221, Rickelton (81 off 43 balls) and Rohit (78 off 38) stitched together a stunning 148 runs off just 71 balls, laying the perfect foundation. Mumbai Indians eventually chased down the target in 19.1 overs to finish on 224/4. It was their most successful home run chase.While Rickelton hit four boundaries and eight sixes, Rohit’s knock was peppered with six fours and six maximums, underscoring his dominance at the top.In the process, Rohit also surpassed Virat Kohli to register the most runs in IPL history against a single team.Rohit now has 1161 runs in 36 matches against KKR, achieved while representing both Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians.Kohli, who has spent his entire IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, previously held the record with 1160 runs against Chennai Super Kings in 36 matches.Player Team(s) MatchesOpponentRohit Sharma Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians361161Kolkata Knight RidersVirat Kohli Royal Challengers Bengaluru361160Chennai Super KingsVirat Kohli Royal Challengers Bengaluru361159Punjab KingsVirat Bengal1 CapitalsDavid Warner Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad261134Punjab KingsShikhar Dhawan Deccan Chargers, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad301105Chennai Super KingsDavid Warner Delhi Capitals, Knight3abad Ridge2KRock10 Sundersers Sharma Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians371057Delhi CapitalsVirat Kohli Royal Challengers Bengaluru361021Kolkata Knight RidersMumbai Indians will now take on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on April 4.
