IPL2026: Mumbai Indians overcome KKR in high scoring 1st game

 

Rohit Sharma's  explosive 78 powered Mumbai to a comfortable victory over KKL  .   KKR began their IPL campaign with a defeat against Mumbai Indians. While beating KKR is nothing new for Mumbai, winning the season opener did come as a bit of a surprise. However, against KKR’s fragile bowling attack, nothing seemed impossible. Chasing 220, Hardik Pandya’s men sealed the win with six wickets in hand. At the same time, serious questions now loom over KKR’s prospects this season.

The Wankhede pitch has always been a paradise for batters. Even during the T20 World Cup, it witnessed a flurry of runs. After winning the toss, Hardik chose to bowl first, sending KKR in to bat. KKR got off to a flying start, with Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen launching an early assault. They raced to 57 in the first four overs. Allen smashed 17 runs in one over off Ghazanfar, while Rahane took 26 off Hardik in another. However, Shardul Thakur applied the brakes, dismissing Allen (37) with a well-executed slower delivery. Cameron Green, despite his hefty price tag, managed just 18 runs. Rahane, the ‘home boy,’ entertained with a flurry of sixes but eventually fell for 67 off 40 balls—once again to Shardul (3/39). Timely bowling changes, bringing in Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, helped Mumbai slow KKR’s scoring rate. Still, KKR crossed 200 largely thanks to Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Rinku Singh contributed 33 off 21 balls, taking KKR to a total of 220.

On a Wankhede pitch, that target is far from daunting—especially if Rohit Sharma is in form. Just a day earlier, Virat Kohli had demonstrated what class looks like. Why should the ‘Hitman’ stay behind? Who would say he hadn’t played T20 cricket for nearly a year? A fitter, leaner Rohit looked as dangerous as ever. Some might struggle to recognize him due to his weight loss, but his batting remains unmistakable. The trademark pull shots were there, as were those elegant lofted drives over off-stump. He fell at 78, thanks to a brilliant running catch by Anukul Roy—otherwise, fans were eagerly anticipating a century. His innings included six sixes and six fours. He was well supported by Ryan Rickelton, who scored 81 off 43 balls, including four fours and eight sixes. The duo powered Mumbai close to 150 within just 12 overs, effectively sealing the match. The rest was a formality, as Hardik Pandya’s side finished the chase with five balls to spare and six wickets in hand.

Losing to Mumbai at Wankhede has almost become a habit for KKR. But the worries for their fans don’t end there. Their bowling frailties were once again exposed, with Blessing Muzarabani and others struggling. The absence of Andre Russell was clearly felt, both in finishing and with the ball. Adding to their woes, Ajinkya Rahane suffered an injury and had to leave the field—its severity is still unclear. Rinku Singh took over leadership duties for the remainder of the match. If Rahane is ruled out, it could spell even more trouble for KKR going forward.

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