IPL 2025 Eliminator: Rohit Sharma’s Masterclass Sends Mumbai Indians into Qualifier 2

A vintage 81 from Rohit Sharma and a 20-run win over Gujarat Titans power Mumbai Indians closer to their sixth IPL crown in Mullanpur.

Arun Upadhayay 3 weeks agoLast Updated: June 8, 2025

9 3 minutes read

Mullanpur: If you were waiting for a big-match performance from Rohit Sharma, this was the night. Under lights, under pressure, and with his team needing something special, the seasoned opener delivered an 81-run gem that set the tone for Mumbai Indians’ 20-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 Eliminator.

It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. That they’re not here to just make up the numbers. That when the lights are brightest, Mumbai still know how to show up.

Rohit Silences Doubt, Lights Up Mullanpur

For most of the season, the chatter around Rohit was getting louder. Is he past his peak? Can he still win games on his own? The stats weren’t helping either — especially his lukewarm record in playoff games. But on Friday night, he answered all that in 50 balls.

His 81 was clean, confident, and most importantly, composed. He picked gaps early, didn’t try to overhit, and once he got going, GT’s bowlers simply had no answer. It wasn’t flashy. It was calculated — the kind of knock that keeps bowlers guessing and dressing rooms relaxed.

He added a quickfire 84 with Jonny Bairstow, who played his part brilliantly with a 47 off 22. The Englishman smacked three sixes, giving Mumbai a rapid start. After that, it was about building pressure — and Suryakumar Yadav (33), Tilak Varma (25 off 11), and Hardik Pandya (22* off 9) made sure they didn’t lose momentum.

By the time the dust settled, MI had piled on 228/5. Their highest total of the season. In an Eliminator. Without their former opener Rickelton and with questions swirling around the middle order.

Gujarat Titans Never Found the Gear

It wasn’t like GT didn’t have moments. They did. But they came too scattered, too far apart to make a difference.

The game began in the worst possible way for them — Shubman Gill, their skipper, was gone for 1 in the first over, trapped in front by Boult. That single moment tilted the energy of the chase.

B Sai Sudharsan fought like a man possessed. His 80 off 49 balls was as good as any top-order knock this season — stylish, efficient, gutsy. But without Buttler, there was no experienced anchor to stay with him long enough. Washington Sundar played a blinder — 48 from 24 balls — but once he was castled by Bumrah in the 14th over, the climb got steeper.

GT finished at 208/6, short by 20 runs. And to be fair, the gap looked a bit bigger than the number suggests.

Rashid’s Off Season Continues, Mumbai Bowlers Hold Nerve

There was a time when Rashid Khan could win matches on his own. That time, at least this season, didn’t arrive. He went wicketless again (4-0-31-0), finishing the season well below his own high standards.

For Mumbai, the bowling was about moments — Bumrah’s cool spell (4-0-27-1), Boult’s double strikes, and Ashwani Kumar delivering under pressure as an Impact Sub. He wasn’t even in the XI at the start, but ended up bowling the last over and taking a crucial wicket. That’s how much MI trust their bench.

Fall of Key Wickets:

MI lost Bairstow at 84, SKY at 143, and Rohit at 186 — but never let the innings stall.
GT lost Gill at 3, then Mendis and Sundar just when partnerships were building.

GT’s Exit: Brave, But Not Enough

To be fair to Gujarat Titans, they weren’t poor. They just weren’t good enough. Buttler’s absence was clearly felt. Rashid’s off-colour form didn’t help. And while Sudharsan was sublime, Tewatia, Shahrukh, and the rest of the middle order just couldn’t land a punch when it was needed most.

MI March On, Punjab Awaits

With this win, Mumbai Indians move on to face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2. One more win takes them to their seventh final. One more Rohit innings like this, and who knows?

Gujarat, meanwhile, go home. Their campaign ends not with a collapse, but with a reminder that in the IPL, playoff pressure demands more than just potential.

Match Summary

Mumbai Indians – 228/5 (Rohit 81, Bairstow 47, Kishore 2/42)
Gujarat Titans – 208/6 (Sudharsan 80, Sundar 48, Boult 2/56)
Result: Mumbai Indians won by 20 runs
Player of the Match – Rohit Sharma

Credit: JioHotstar

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Author Profile

Arun Upadhayay

Sports Contributor at Hindustan Herald | Web

Arun Upadhayay is a sports journalist and former district-level cricketer with over four years of experience in event production and digital content. Currently freelancing with the India Today Group, Arun brings a deep understanding of sports and storytelling. His work blends expert analysis, live event insights, and engaging coverage of the game.