Hitman Unleashed: Rohit Sharma’s 10 Most Devastating IPL Innings

When Rohit Sharma is in full flow, there are few sights in cricket more beautiful. Known as the "Hitman" for good reason, Rohit has lit up the IPL with several iconic innings for both Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians. Here's a countdown of 10 of his most destructive, game-defining performances in the Indian Premier League.

1. 109* (60) vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2012 A classic Rohit special at Eden Gardens, blending elegance and power.
   This unbeaten century came in hostile territory and was a treat for neutral fans. Rohit dismantled KKR’s bowling with grace and brute force, sending the ball to every corner of Eden. His sixes down the ground and cheeky late cuts made it an innings of contrasts — calm yet explosive. MI posted 182, which proved more than enough.
2. 98* (65) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2015 Stepped up under pressure in a tough run chase.
   Chasing 209, Rohit anchored MI’s innings with controlled aggression. He timed his chase perfectly, launching into the RCB bowlers in the final 5 overs. Though he missed out on a century, his match-winning knock was one of the best examples of responsible hitting.
3. 79 (39) vs Kings XI Punjab – IPL 2013 Captain Rohit takes charge with fearless strokeplay.
   In a high-scoring encounter, Rohit’s quickfire 79 laid the foundation for a massive Mumbai total. His brutal assault on the pacers and smart rotation made it a textbook T20 innings. The win solidified MI's spot in the top four that year.
4. 68 (50) vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2019 Final The captain's calm in a high-stakes IPL final.
   In one of the most nerve-wracking IPL finals, Rohit played a steady knock when others around him fell. While not the fastest innings, every run he scored mattered. His leadership, combined with clutch batting, helped MI edge CSK by just 1 run and win their 4th title.
5. 73 (37) vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2020 Hitman goes full throttle in Abu Dhabi.
   On a slow pitch, Rohit turned back the clock and went berserk. Timing, placement, and footwork — it was all on display. His dominance in the powerplay gave MI the upper hand early and they never looked back.
6. 60 (45) vs Delhi Capitals – IPL 2020 Qualifier Big-match temperament, flawless execution.
   Under playoff pressure, Rohit’s composed innings ensured MI reached another final. He judged the pitch perfectly, held one end, and guided MI to a comfortable win with his calculated aggression.
7. 50* (26) vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2015 A ruthless takedown of CSK's death bowling.
   Rohit came in during a crunch chase and launched into Dwayne Bravo and Mohit Sharma. His six over cover off Bravo is still remembered. He finished the match with an unbeaten fifty and was named Player of the Match.
8. 76 (45) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2016 Fought the orange army with clean hitting and intent.
   On a tricky surface, Rohit absorbed early pressure and then unleashed a series of sixes that changed the game's momentum. Though MI narrowly lost, Rohit's innings was hailed for its fighting spirit.
9. 94 (52) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2021 One-man show in a batting collapse.
   With MI struggling, Rohit played a captain's knock that single-handedly pushed them to a respectable total. His strokeplay was sublime, especially the pick-up shot over midwicket off Siraj.
10. 81 (54) vs Gujarat Titans – IPL 2023 New bowling attack, same old Rohit dominance.
    Facing a fiery young Gujarat Titans attack, Rohit soaked in the pressure and punished them all over the park. His vintage form was on display with signature pull shots and quick singles that kept the scoreboard ticking.

Conclusion

Rohit Sharma has built a legacy not just through runs but through moments — big-match impact, pressure-handling, and effortless timing. Be it finals, qualifiers, or league games, the Hitman has delivered time and again for his team. As the highest-titled IPL captain and a dependable opener, these 10 innings show why Rohit is revered across the cricketing world.

*Disclaimer: This content is fan-curated based on publicly available stats and IPL data up to 2025. For verified records, please refer to iplt20.com or Cricinfo.