Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 30: Rohit Sharma led from the front with a blazing knock as Mumbai Indians pulled off a record chase to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match of IPL 2026.
Put in to bat first, KKR posted a formidable 220/4 in 20 overs. However, Mumbai Indians responded in emphatic fashion, chasing down the target in 19.1 overs to finish at 224/4 — their highest successful run chase at home.
Opening the innings alongside Ryan Rickelton, Rohit set the tone early as the duo stitched a blistering 148-run partnership off just 71 balls. Rickelton smashed 81 off 43 balls, while Rohit hammered 78 off 38 deliveries, laced with six fours and six sixes.
The victory also marked Mumbai Indians’ first opening-game win in 13 seasons.
In the process, Rohit achieved a major personal milestone, surpassing Virat Kohli to register the most runs scored against a single team in IPL history. Rohit now has 1,161 runs against KKR in 36 matches, overtaking Kohli’s previous record of 1,160 runs against Chennai Super Kings.
Mumbai Indians will next take on Delhi Capitals on April 4 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.