Rohit Sharma Shines in IPL 2026 Opener, Impresses Sunil Gavaskar

Rohit Sharma has made a striking start to IPL 2026, impressing cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar with his enhanced fitness and quick footwork. In the season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders, Sharma scored 78 runs off 38 balls, leading Mumbai Indians to a record chase. Gavaskar praised Sharma's shot selection, reminiscent of his early career. As MI prepares for their next match against Delhi Capitals, fans are eager for another stellar performance from the seasoned opener.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 4, 2026, 15:11 IST

Rohit Sharma's Stellar Start to IPL 2026

Rohit Sharma, the former captain of India and opener for Mumbai Indians, has kicked off his IPL 2026 journey with an impressive performance that has caught the attention of many, including cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar noted that Sharma's footwork appears to be faster, a result of his improved physical fitness. During a discussion on Star Sports, he remarked, "Rohit has clearly put in significant effort into his fitness, and the results are evident. His footwork is quicker, he seems more energetic, and this gives him additional time at the crease. While elegant players make batting seem effortless, it stems from diligent preparation and hard work."

Record-Breaking Performance Against KKR

At 38 years old, Sharma has stepped back from Test and T20I formats, focusing solely on ODIs for international play. His dedication to fitness was on full display during the season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he scored an impressive 78 runs off just 38 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes, leading MI to a comfortable victory. This match marked a significant moment, as it was the first time since the 2012 season that MI won their opening IPL match. They successfully chased down a daunting target of 221 runs with six wickets remaining and five balls to spare, marking their largest chase in IPL history.

Gavaskar's Praise for Sharma

Gavaskar expressed his admiration for the variety of shots Sharma executed during his innings against KKR. He stated, "Some of the shots he played recently reminded you of Rohit in his early twenties, when he made batting look ridiculously easy. It's wonderful to see him scoring runs again because he's such a delightful player to watch."

Upcoming Match for Mumbai Indians

The Mumbai Indians are set to face the Delhi Capitals in their second match of IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. Fans are eager to witness another 'Rohit Sharma Special' performance.