Rickelton, Rohit masterclass as MI breaks first-game jinx

Rohit Sharma’s off-side masterclass, complemented by Ryan Rickelton’s on-side dominance, helped the Mumbai Indians end a 14-year wait and begin their Indian Premier League campaign with a commanding six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (March 29, 2026) night.

Chasing 221, the Mumbai Indians barely broke a sweat as Rohit and Rickelton stitched together a blistering 148-run opening stand off just 72 balls against a hapless KKR bowling attack. The platform ensured the chase never stretched the home side’s batting resources, with Naman Dhir sealing the win by off-driving Anukul Roy for four off the first ball of the final over — handing MI their first season-opening victory since 2012.

Rohit began cautiously, opening his account with a thick inside-edged four off Blessing Muzarabani, one of three IPL debutants for KKR. But once set, the MI veteran produced a vintage display of off-side strokeplay. He lofted Muzarabani for an inside-out six in the fourth over, greeted Varun Chakaravarthy with the shot of the night, and later sent Kartik Tyagi soaring over covers. In between, the crisp drives through cover-point flowed freely, drawing loud “Rohit, Rohit” chants from the Wankhede crowd.

Rickelton, meanwhile, dominated the leg side, capitalising on wayward lines from the KKR bowlers. The visitors’ woes were compounded by captain Ajinkya Rahane leaving the field after the third over due to cramps, depriving them of on-field leadership during a crucial phase.

Earlier, Rahane had led KKR’s charge with the bat after being put in. Along with Finn Allen, he powered the side to a brisk start before Shardul Thakur’s golden arm turned the tide. Making his MI debut, Thakur struck in each of his first three overs, first dismissing Allen with a knuckle ball before removing Cameron Green with a clever change of pace.

Rahane, however, remained aggressive, welcoming Mayank Markande with two sixes and continuing his assault before Jasprit Bumrah briefly stemmed the flow. Thakur eventually dismissed Rahane in the 14th over, but late contributions ensured KKR finished with a competitive total — one that ultimately proved insufficient against Mumbai’s dominant opening act.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh then helped KKR reach the 220-run mark. In the end, it wasn’t enough.