After crushing loss against Delhi, Rohit Sharma suffers another massive blow

Once again, the start of the Indian T20 League wasn't great for the Mumbai team. Batting first, the team amassed 177/5, thanks to Ishan Kishan (81*), skipper Rohit Sharma (41), and Tilak Varma (22). Kieron Pollard (3) and million-dollar player Tim David (12) could not do much in the game. For Delhi, Kuldeep Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed took three and two wickets respectively.

The likes of Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti proved expensive as the trio conceded runs at an economy rate of more than 10. In reply, the 2020 finalists scored 30 runs in three overs. However, twin strikes from Murugan Ashwin in the fourth over and the wicket of skipper Rishabh Pant in the fifth over meant the team was tottering at 32/3. Prithvi Shaw (31) and Lalit Yadav stitched a partnership of 40 runs before the former fell to a quick bouncer from Basil Thampi.

Two balls later, Rovman Powell (0) was dismissed by Thampi. Shardul Thakur (22 off 11) wielded his willow but his stay was cut short by the same bowler. At the 104/6, the team was staring down a defeat and it looked like Mumbai will win the game. However, the unbeaten partnership of 75 runs between Axar Patel (38*) and Lalit Yadav (48*) ensured their team got over the line.

After the match, Rohit Sharma was dealt with another blow. Rohit Sharma was fined INR 12 lakhs for slow over-rate. Meanwhile, since 2013, Mumbai haven't won their opening game in the ITL. The last time they won an opening game of the season was in 2012 when they beat Chennai in their backyard.