Rohit Sharma scripts history with 50th IPL fifty, joins Virat Kohli in elite list
Rohit Sharma's magnificent 78 off 39 balls powered Mumbai Indians' chase against KKR, marking his 50th IPL half-century. He partnered with Ryan Rickelton for a record 148-run opening stand, setting the tone for a strong pursuit of KKR's 221. Despite falling short of a century, Sharma's innings was crucial in keeping MI ahead of the required rate.
Rohit Sharma delivered a captain’s knock under pressure, bringing up his 50th half-century in the Indian Premier League 2026 during Mumbai Indians’s high-scoring chase against Kolkata Knight Riders. Most 50-plus scores in IPL 72 - Virat Kohli 66 - David Warner 53 - Shikhar Dhawan 50 - Rohit Sharma* 45 - KL Rahul Chasing a daunting 221, Rohit led from the front with a blistering 78 off just 39 balls, attacking from the outset and putting the KKR bowlers on the back foot. In the process, he joined an elite list of players with 50 or more fifty-plus scores in IPL history, becoming only the fourth to reach the milestone after Virat Kohli (72), David Warner (66) and Shikhar Dhawan (53).
Most runs against an opponent in IPL 1161 - Rohit Sharma vs KKR* 1159 - Virat Kohli vs PBKS 1146 - Virat Kohli vs CSK 1134 - David Warner vs PBKS 1130 - Virat Kohli vs DC 1093 - David Warner vs KKR The MI opener also achieved another major milestone during his knock, becoming the player with the most runs against a single opponent in IPL history. Rohit now has 1161 runs against KKR, going past Kohli’s tally against Punjab Kings. The MI opener found a perfect partner in Ryan Rickelton, as the duo stitched together a stunning 148-run opening stand — the highest ever for Mumbai Indians against KKR in IPL history.
Their aggressive approach kept MI well ahead of the required rate and firmly in control of the chase. Earlier in the game, KKR had posted a strong 220 for 4, riding on impressive half-centuries from Ajinkya Rahane (67) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (51). Despite some late control from MI’s bowlers, the total looked challenging on a flat surface.
Rohit, however, made the target look far less intimidating with his fluent strokeplay. He mixed timing with power, taking on both pace and spin, and raced to his landmark fifty in style. His innings eventually came to an end thanks to a brilliant fielding effort from Anukul Roy, who ran backwards to complete a sharp catch and finally break the dangerous opening partnership.