Rohit Sharma Breaks Kohli’s Record, Hits 50th IPL Half-Century

Rohit Sharma scored a blistering 78 off 38 balls, putting Mumbai Indians in control of the chase of 221 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 campaign opener at Wankhede Stadium.

It was Hitman’s 50th half-century in the Indian Premier League.

He also broke Virat Kohli's record for the most runs against an opponent in IPL history. Rohit now has 1161 runs against KKR, surpassing Kohli’s tally of 1159 runs against Punjab Kings.

Chasing a daunting 221, Rohit led from the front, attacking from the outset and putting the KKR bowlers on the back foot.

In the process, he joined an elite list of players with 50 or more fifty-plus scores in IPL history, becoming only the fourth to reach the milestone after Virat Kohli (72), David Warner (66) and Shikhar Dhawan (53).

The MI veteran stitched a 148-run partnership in 11.5 overs with Ryan Rickelton for the first wicket. It was the highest ever for Mumbai Indians against KKR in IPL history.

Their aggressive approach kept MI well ahead of the required rate and firmly in control of the chase.

Did Rohit Sharma’s Missed Catch of Angkrish Raghuvanshi Cost MI Against KKR?

Earlier in the game, Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Ajinkya Rahane hit a fine half-century, but it was debutant Angkrish Raghuvanshi who lit up the stadium with a 29-ball 51 to help KKR post 220 for four.

Rohit dropped Raghuvanshi when he was batting on 21, and that proved costly for MI.

Opener Rahane made 67 off 40 balls with the help of three fours and five sixes, while Raghuvanshi decorated his knock with six boundaries and two hits over the fence.

Opting to bowl, Shardul Thakur (3/39) emerged as the top wicket-taker for Mumbai Indians.