Mumbai, March 30: In the opening match of IPL 2026, the Mumbai Indians (MI) kicked off their campaign with a resounding victory. Thanks to explosive innings from Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, MI defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by six wickets at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Shardul Thakur played a crucial role with his bowling performance and earned the title of ‘Player of the Match’.
After the match, Shardul Thakur remarked, “Bowling the sixth over was a challenge. I enjoy challenges. Today’s performance was just that. This ground has given me both bitter and sweet memories. Playing for Mumbai is special. In 2010, I was a net bowler. Finally, the day has come when I am playing for my home team, the Mumbai Indians. If I can stay here, I would be truly happy. The support from the management has been incredible.”
Thakur took three vital wickets, dismissing Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cameron Green, conceding 39 runs in his four overs.
Having played domestic cricket for Mumbai, Shardul has been part of the IPL since 2015, but this was his first opportunity to play for MI, and he made an immediate impact by leading his team to victory. This marks the first time MI has won their opening match of a season since 2012.
In terms of match details, KKR batted first after losing the toss, scoring 220 runs for the loss of four wickets. Captain Rahane top-scored with 67 runs, while Ankur Raghuwanshi contributed 51 runs off 29 balls, including two sixes and six fours. Finn Allen scored 37 runs off 17 balls, and Rinku Singh remained unbeaten with 33 runs off 21 balls. Cameron Green added 18 runs off 10 balls.
The Mumbai Indians chased down the target, scoring 224 runs for four wickets in just 19.1 overs. Rohit Sharma led the charge with a blistering 78 runs off 38 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes. He reached his fifty in just 23 balls, marking his fastest half-century in IPL history. Rickelton also made a significant contribution, scoring 81 runs off 43 balls, with eight sixes and four fours. Together, they formed a formidable partnership, adding 148 runs for the first wicket in 11.5 overs.
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