Mumbai Indians (MI) secured a crucial 12-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in a high-scoring IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. While it was a collective team effort, a tactical masterstroke from Rohit Sharma in the dugout played a decisive role in turning the game on its head.
Rohit Sharma’s Game-Changing Signal
Though not in the playing XI, Rohit Sharma showcased his cricketing brain from the sidelines. At the start of the 14th over of DC’s chase, with Delhi cruising at 135/2 and needing just 71 from 42 balls, Rohit signaled leg-spinner Karn Sharma to opt for a ball change — a new IPL 2025 rule that allows bowling teams in night matches to request a new ball after the 10th over to counter dew.
The decision proved pivotal. In that very over, Karn dismissed Naman Dhir. Just one over later, he removed the in-form KL Rahul. These twin strikes derailed DC’s chase, triggering a collapse that saw them score just 22 runs over the next four overs.
DC’s Collapse After Strong Start
Delhi looked well in control thanks to a blazing 22-ball half-century by Karun Nair — his first IPL fifty in seven years — but MI’s bowling, guided by strategic input from Rohit, turned the tide. Spinner Mitchell Santner and a sharp fielding display, including three run-outs in the 19th over, sealed the win.
Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma tried to revive DC’s hopes, but MI’s bowlers held their nerve, aided by precise planning and execution.
Rohit’s Tactical Prowess Strikes Again
This isn’t the first time Rohit Sharma’s tactical brilliance has paid off from the dugout. Just last week against Lucknow Super Giants, Rohit had advised using a slower ball variation to dismiss Nicholas Pooran — a plan that worked perfectly.
Despite his recent struggles with the bat, Rohit continues to demonstrate why he remains one of the sharpest minds in the IPL, proving his worth even when he’s not on the field.
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