Rohit Sharma kickstarted his IPL 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, delivering a batting masterclass against his favorite opponents, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In a high-octane clash at the Wankhede Stadium, Rohit smashed 78 runs off just 38 balls, powering Mumbai Indians (MI) to a historic 6-wicket victory while chasing a daunting target of 221 runs.

During this whirlwind knock, decorated with 6 fours and 6 sixes, Rohit surpassed Virat Kohli to claim the record for the most runs scored against a single opponent in IPL history. Rohit now sits at the top with 1,161 runs against KKR, eclipsing Kohli’s tally of 1,159 runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS). This milestone further cements Rohit’s legacy as one of the greatest openers in the tournament’s history.

Apart from breaking Kohli’s record, Rohit also registered his 50th IPL half-century, joining an elite club of batters. His partnership with Ryan Rickelton (81) ensured that Mumbai Indians broke their long-standing jinx of losing season openers. Experts are calling this “Rohit 2.0,” praising his aggressive intent and clean hitting. With this performance, Rohit has not only sent a strong message to the critics but has also emerged as a top contender for the Orange Cap this season.