Mumbai Indians (MI) coach Mahela Jayawardene heaped special praise on senior batter Rohit Sharma after his spectacular performance in their IPL 2025 win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday (April 20). After an indifferent run with no half-centuries since the start of the season, Rohit came into his own and hammered an unbeaten 76 off 45 deliveries to take MI home comfortably in their chase at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. For his extraordinary knock, Rohit was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ award on the field and off it, he earned a special medal from MI’s team management led by their coach and Sri Lankan legend Jayawardene, who called the Hitman a ‘maverick’. “At the huddle, Polly (Kieron Pollard) asked for something special and you guys delivered, but for me, I have been through that as well…Like playing cricket, you go through a little trot and then you have to dig deep. Few demons in your head as well. But RO. Brilliant, maverick. Well played!!” said Jayawardene as a round of applause followed inside the MI dressing room. A maverick performance from our ???????????????????????????????? ???????? ??#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/xoXf5iEeRW — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 21, 2025 Rohit’s innings featured his trademark strokeplay as the graceful opener blazed 4 fours and 6 sixes and stitched a tremendous partnership with fellow match-winner Suryakumar Yadav. Yadav struck 6 fours and 5 maximums during his terrific knock of 68 in just 30 balls. Together, the two stalwarts of the MI batting unit added 114 runs for the second wicket after the five-time champions had lost their wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton on 63 following his 24 off 19 deliveries. Rohit’s return to form unravelled in exciting fashion as he dominated the Super Kings’ bowling attack from the word go. Relishing the true nature of the surface at the Wankhede, Rohit attacked the opposition and never allowed their seamers and spinners to settle down. It was a statement knock from the right-hander, who had faced serious question marks on his form after successive failures to kickstart the tournament. MI, who rose to number six in the points table after the win, will hope to see him continue the good work to help their charge towards the top-four spots.