Power-hitting specialist Rohit Sharma illuminated the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday evening with a dominant unbeaten half-century, driving Mumbai Indians to an overwhelming win against Chennai Super Kings.
Discussing his return to form after a dry spell that stretched back to India's loss to New Zealand in the home Test series, Rohit said that he never doubted his ability.
Having received the 'Player of the Match' award for his dazzling 45-ball 76 consisting of four fours and six majestic sixes, Rohit, who shared an unbeaten 114-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav, opined that remaining dedicated to intense training was important throughout his difficult period.
"After staying here for so long, it's easy to begin doubting yourself and begin doing other things. It was crucial for me to practice well, strike the ball well. When you are sure in your mind, things like this can occur," said the ex-MI captain.
Even it has been a while but if you're doubting yourself, you get tense. It is necessary to balance the way you want to play. I wanted to strike the ball today but also needed to maintain the shape and reach out the arms.".
And then if the ball is in the arc, I wanted to attempt what I always do. It has not been happening consistently but I am not going to doubt myself," he said.
The Wankhede, where Rohit honed his game as a young boy, will pay tribute to him with a special stand — an emotional moment for the veteran cricketer.
"Seems pretty distant! Big honour. I would come here as a child and watch the match. We were not permitted to come here at some point. Grown up playing in this ground, now to have this stand, big honour. Don't know how I will feel when it actually arises. Fitting part was to complete the match."
With the victory, MI moved to sixth in the IPL table, registering their fourth victory of the season. Rohit stated that the momentum of the team was coming at the perfect time.
"We are peaking at the right moment, winning three on the spin. Winning two in a row is key, we are in a good position," he stated.
Captain Hardik Pandya, lauding Rohit's innings, said he was always sure the runs would arrive, even after recent struggles.
"The way Rohit and Suryakumar bat, it is a relief from outside. You don't have to worry about Rohit's form. He's gonna come good like this. We knew when he comes good, the opposition will be out. SKY (Surya) complemented him," Hardik said.
Hardik also added that the success of the team was because they stayed close to basics and didn't complicate things too much.
"Percentage cricket is high, we are not attempting magical things and holding back on simple cricket. Knew they were behind the game and wanted to keep it tight. The fast bowlers went for runs and we knew 175 was below par," said Pandya.
Conversely, CSK icon MS Dhoni admitted that his team had performed below expectations, with only two victories from eight games and bottom of the table.
"We were quite below par. Knew dew would come in the second half. We should have started our slog early. We should have capitalised and got those runs.".
"Never had a par score. If you give away too many (runs to the opposition) in the first six. It wasn't like it was coming on nicely. We need to realise, we are successful because we play good cricket. But we need not get too emotional," Dhoni said.
He also intimated that the team will have to re-evaluate its combinations and strategies if the play-off spot gets out of reach.
"Take one game at a time. Look at the combinations for the next season, if we don't qualify."
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