Watch: Rohit’s epic ’35th-36th’ birthday counter leaves commentator stumped | Cricket

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians bounced back to winning ways with a six-wicket victory vs Rajasthan Royals in Match 42 of IPL 2023, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. Chasing a target of 213 runs, MI reached 214/4 in 19.3 overs, courtesy of good batting from Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David and Cameron Green. Suryakumar registered a half-century during the chase, slamming 55 runs in 29 balls. Meanwhile, Tim David smacked an unbeaten knock of 45 runs off 14 balls and Green clattered 44 off 26 deliveries. For RR’s bowling department, Ravichandran Ashwin took two wickets.

Initially, RR posted 212/7 in 20 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal hammering a century. The RR opener clattered 124 runs in 62 balls. Arshad Khan was in good bowling form for MI and took three wickets, Piyush Chawla bagged two dismissals.

In the post-match press conference, Rohit also left Indian broadcaster Harsha Bhogle flummoxed with an epic counter. Wishing Rohit on his birthday, Harsha said, “Everything happened today. 150th game as captain, 190th for MI, 36th birthday, and like it happened last year.”

“35th, not 36”, Rohit replied.

“Oh, they gave you one more. Good correction”, Harsha replied.

“No, no, 36th,” quipped a giggling Rohit.

On a personal note, Rohit will be aiming to find some form and could only register three runs off five balls against RR. After the win, MI are currently seventh in the league standings with eight points in eight matches, packed with four wins and four defeats. Rohit will be aiming to build a winning run and challenge for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Rohit also commented on the comparisons between David and ex-player Kieron Pollard. He said, “Big shoes to fill, Polly for so many years won us so many championships. But Tim has so much ability and power. In the back end, having that power keeps the bowler thinking.”

On Jaiswal’s ton, he added, “I watched him last year, this year he has taken his game to a new level. I asked him where all that power is coming from, he says he is spending time at the gym, he’s timing them really well. Good for him, good for Indian cricket and good for RR as well.”