In a stunning performance, Chennai Super Kings registered an emphatic victory against Mumbai Indians. The defending champions posted 206 at Wankhede Stadium. The venue is known for high scores, and CSK’s total was achieved after MS Dhoni‘s blistering innings of 20 runs off 4 balls. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube also batted aggressively.

MI got off to a blazing start, with Rohit Sharma powering them to 70 in the first 7 overs. Although Pathirana took two quick wickets in his opening over, Mumbai remained heavy favorites. However, Chennai’s pace bowling attack had other plans it put on a masterclass to restrict the home team’s feared batting lineup.

After Pathirana dismissed Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav in the same over, Rohit (105 runs) found some assistance from Tilak Varma. The pair added 60 runs, leaving Mumbai well-positioned to chase the remaining 83 runs in the last 7 overs. However, CSK’s pacers, led by Pathirana, executed their plans perfectly. As a result, Mumbai fell just short by 20 runs.

Rohit scored a century off 61 balls, his second century in the IPL and eighth in his prolific T20 career. However, he scored 14 runs off 14 balls in between 13 and 18 overs.

Rohit’s courageous innings at the Wankhede failed to impress many fans on social media, who called the former MI captain “selfish” on Twitter. They drew comparisons to Virat Kohli’s much-criticized 67-ball century against Rajasthan Royals, noting both tons came in losing efforts. Fans called out the hypocrisy in criticizing one knock but not the other.