Published: May 5, 2026 at 12:25 pm
A beleaguered Mumbai Indians, bolstered by the return of Rohit Sharma, defeated Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in the TATA IPL 2026 match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday night.
Mumbai, who have been struggling this season, looked a very different outfit as they chased down a massive target of 229 runs with aplomb. Batting first, Lucknow Super Giants made a competitive 228 for five with Nicholas Pooran making a topscore of 63 off just 21 balls with one boundary and eight over the top. Mitchell Marsh made 44 and Aiden Markram scored an unbeaten 31.
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However, Mumbai openers made a mockery of the target as he toyed with the Lucknow bowlers. Ryan Rickelton, who has been the bright spot for Mumbai in a disastrous campaign, and Rohit Sharma added 143 for the first wicket in 10.5 overs to set the tone for the spectacular win. Ryan made 83 off 32 balls with six fours and eight sixes, while Rohit got 84 off 44 balls with six fours and seven sixes. Mumbai reached 229 for four in 18.4 overs.
Rohit wants to bat deeper
Former Indian captain and legend Sunil Gavaskar was all praise for Rohit’s innings. “I have been watching Rohit Sharma closely over the last year. Ever since he was removed as captain in white-ball cricket and the IPL, he has focused more on his batting. He scored runs in the ODI series against Australia, did well in home series, and now he is doing the same in the IPL,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports Amul Cricket Live show.
Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton had a rollicking partnership which helped Mumbai Indians score a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday night
“In the IPL, he usually scores 400 to 500 runs a season, but his knocks are often impactful. He may not have many 80-plus innings, but his 40 to 50-run starts give his team early momentum. The change in his game is clear: he now wants to bat deeper and leave a bigger impact.
“In this 84-run knock, we saw all the typical Rohit Sharma shots. The pull shot was on display. Short balls disappeared into the stands. Full deliveries were driven through the cover region. He also lofted long off with ease. Against left-arm spinner M Siddharth, he played down the ground, hitting against the turn. We saw a focused Rohit Sharma against LSG. If he continues this form, Mumbai Indians will hurt the playoff hopes of many teams in the remaining matches,” he added.
Bumrah is overdoing things and that’s hurting him
On Jasprit Bumrah’s struggles with the ball, Gavaskar said: “Bumrah is giving his best, but he seems to be trying too many extra things. He took a wicket after the strategic timeout, but it was a no-ball. Then he bowled a few more no-balls. He is creating wicket-taking chances, but luck is not on his side. His pace has also dropped. His go-to slower ball length has become fuller.
Once he starts picking up wickets, he will be back on track. But Bumrah needs to keep it simple and stop overcomplicating his bowling,” Gavaskar said
“The line that used to target the stumps is now drifting to leg stump. He is not known for bowling many no-balls, but this season he has already bowled six or seven. He tried bowling fuller lengths, but that didn’t work. He is overdoing things, and that’s hurting him. He should go back to his basics and stick to what works best for him. Trying new things is affecting his rhythm and luck isn’t helping either. It will take just one or two games. Once he starts picking up wickets, he will be back on track. But Bumrah needs to keep it simple and stop overcomplicating his bowling,” Gavaskar said.
Bowling let Lucknow down
On where Lucknow went wrong despite posting 228, he said: “228 is a big total, no doubt about it. LSG’s batting, which has struggled all season, finally clicked against MI. They were at 155 after 11 overs and looked on track for 250-plus, but Mumbai’s bowlers pulled things back. Still, 228 is a challenging score, so credit to LSG’s batters. Mitchell Marsh got runs, Nicholas Pooran smashed a 16-ball fifty at number three, and Aiden Markram had a contribution late in the order.
LSG’s bowling let them down. Their bowling has been a strength this season, but not in this game. Mohammed Shami, their lead bowler, had an off day, says Sunil Gavaskar
“But LSG’s bowling let them down. Their bowling has been a strength this season, but not in this game. Mohammed Shami, their lead bowler, had an off day. I believe Digvesh Rathi should have played instead of M Siddharth. Yes, Rathi has had a poor season, but he is LSG’s strike bowler. Leaving him out was a big mistake. He has a good record against MI’s batters, but he sat on the bench while Mumbai’s batters took the game away. LSG’s playoff hopes are fading, but they can still finish the season strongly. To do that, they must stop changing their lineup every game,” he added.
Beating Delhi at home won’t be easy for Chennai
On Tuesdays crucial encounter between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, Gavaskar said: “Both Chennai and Delhi are in the race for the playoffs, so this is a big game for both teams. CSK come into this match with back-to-back wins against MI, while Delhi won their last game against Rajasthan.
Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings will find Delhi a tough nut to crack at their home. Pics: BCCI
“Confidence will be high, especially for Chennai. But beating Delhi at home won’t be easy. Ruturaj is back among the runs. The middle order is contributing. Dewald Brevis has had a quiet season and needs to step up. Shivam Dube must take more responsibility with the bat, and his fielding has been below par.
“Still, the mood in the Chennai camp seems positive. Delhi will be a tough test. Their openers are in good touch, and their bowling attack is finding form. Chennai cannot afford to take them lightly. I would like to see Akeal Hosein take the new ball against Delhi’s openers. He can trouble them with his flight and variations. He makes run-scoring difficult, so if he starts with the ball, Delhi could struggle early. The toss will also play a big role in this match,” Gavaskar added.
