In a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Mumbai team faced a disheartening defeat against Chennai in the 2024 IPL season. Despite a strong start, Mumbai let the game slip away, a scenario that will haunt them for some time.

Rohit Sharma’s Innings Analysis

Rohit Sharma, who ended up scoring a century, faced criticism for possibly pacing his innings poorly. He took 61 balls to score his 105, significantly slowing down in the latter part of the innings. Rohit found it difficult to time the ball in the final few overs and faced only 20 balls in the last eight overs scoring 31 runs before which he had scored 71 off 43 balls. But he finished with a century in a losing cause, just the third time this has happened in the history of the Indian T20 League.

See Also: Chennai Super Kings beat Mumbai Indians by 20 runs; Points Table updated

Fan Reactions and Debates

Fans are split in their views on Rohit’s innings. While some hailed it as selfless, given his acceleration initially, others critiqued it as self-preservation as he slowed down significantly towards the end.

The debate intensifies as statistics draw a complex picture; Rohit’s initial strike rate was impressive, but his inability to maintain it has drawn criticism regarding his tactical approach to the chase.

Rohit was on 73 (42) at one point,
In the next 17 balls he scored 17 runs and reached 90(59) when the strike rate was around 12.

But I was told that he isn't selfish and plays for the team. Why did she slow down then? Where is the intent? Hypocrisy pic.twitter.com/016U9iSheN

— Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) April 14, 2024

Ab de Villiers would have broken all the records in cricket history books if he would have played for himself.

Rohit Sharma the most selfish cricketer ever. pic.twitter.com/jaq6SS8Xtt

— Kevin (@imkevin149) April 14, 2024

Question: What was the game changing moment?
Ruturaj : One old man get unbeaten from MI (laughing) 😭
SELFISH VADAPAV pic.twitter.com/DYKE4dM01x

— MAHENDRA (@im_mahii17) April 14, 2024

Nah you can't defend this even if you are a blind fan. SELFISH play at its best pic.twitter.com/da5cvq8PCd

— Pallavi~SackFaf (@Pallavi_paul21) April 14, 2024

Selfless Rohit Sharma didn't celebrated after Scoring a century as his team didn't won the game!

This is why WE LOVE YOU ROHIT SHARMA !!pic.twitter.com/6KXS2Yb7AP

— ᴘʀᴀᴛʜᴍᴇsʜ⁴⁵ (@45Fan_Prathmesh) April 14, 2024

LONE WARRIOR ROHIT SHARMA today:

105*(63) – Rohit Sharma (166.67 SR )
74(57) – Others (129 SR )

Playing with 166sr where others are playing with 129 sr, This is why we call Hitman as SELFLESS player! pic.twitter.com/woXFBptZGw

— ᴘʀᴀᴛʜᴍᴇsʜ⁴⁵ (@45Fan_Prathmesh) April 14, 2024

IT'S A CENTURY FOR ROHIT SHARMA.

IT'S LONE WARRIOR HITMAN. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jzokSf8Hhb

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) April 14, 2024

Gotta appreciate the hustle here. Well batted Rohit Sharma. pic.twitter.com/R6akJT1wal

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 14, 2024

1. Rohit Sharma scored a century.

2. Hardik Pandya score 2 in 6 balls

3. Mumbai Indians lost the match

4. MS Dhoni hit 3 sixes to Pandya

5. MI lost just because of that 26 runs final over from Hardik Pandya.

Rohit Sharma fans: pic.twitter.com/MUI7p68nd7

— EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) April 14, 2024

Rohit Sharma entering CSK dressing room after match pic.twitter.com/aBMr4c4YEp

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) April 14, 2024

First 36 balls – 67 runs
Last 26 balls balls – 37 runs

Selfless intent merchant Rohit Sharma 🔥 pic.twitter.com/o6pO0b4MUd

— leisha (@katyxkohli17) April 14, 2024

Match Overview

Chennai, batting first, managed to put up a formidable total of 206/4. The innings was marked by explosive batting, particularly in the last five overs, which added an unexpected 60 runs to the scoreboard, defying Mumbai’s earlier bowling successes.

Chasing 207, Mumbai started off with a bang, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who put up a 70-run stand. However, the game took a turn when Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav fell quickly, leading to a dramatic slowdown.

The double strike in the eighth over was the beginning of the collapse, with Mumbai suddenly losing their momentum and struggling to keep up with the climbing run rate.