• Source:JND
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IPL 2025: After an indifferent run with no half-centuries since the start of the season, Rohit Sharma finally found his peak form as he silenced his critics with a match-winning knock against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

In the dressing room during the team's post-match celebrations, the former Mumbai Indians skipper was visibly pleased as he was heaped with praise by his teammates.

Mumbai Indians' global head of performance, Mahela Jayawardene heaped special praise on senior batter giving Rohit a new nickname - "Maverick" - while presenting a fresh pair of sunglasses in an appreciation of the 37-year-old batter controlling innings in the 'El Clasico' of IPL 2025.

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Jayawardene said he could relate to Rohit's current journey, pulling parallels with his own experiences of facing challenges during his playing days.

With a string of underwhelming performances, Rohit had weathered a lean patch with the willow before making his shunning his critics with his dominant 76 off just 45 balls against CSK.

โ€œAt the huddle, Polly (Kieron Pollard) asked for something special and you guys delivered, but for me, I have been through that as wellโ€ฆLike 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.

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Before the all-crucial match against CSK, Rohit was languishing to not score the 30-run mark in the tournament with just 82 runs across six matches. 

Chasing a below-par target, the hosts faced absolutely no difficulties on a batting-friendly surface in swatting away the challenge as they went over the line making 177 for one to win by more than four overs to spare, and take a leap to sixth spot in the points table.

Rohit capitalised on anything short from the pacers in the powerplay and swept with command against the CSK spinners to notch up his maiden fifty of the season, which came off 33 balls.

MI's impact substitute Rohit laid the foundation with a robust 63-run stand for the first wicket in the powerplay -- their best start undoubtedly in this IPL -- and ensured the hosts remained on track for a big win keeping them at a scoring rate of 10 per over.