The Wankhede Stadium erupted with roars from the fans as Rohit Sharma walked out as an Impact Player against the Lucknow Super Giants. He scored a stunning half-century from just 24 balls and it was a much
needed one. After missing five consecutive matches due to a hamstring injury sustained on April 12, the former Mumbai Indians captain returned to a side desperate for inspiration. Having lost seven of their initial nine league games and languishing in ninth place, Mumbai’s playoff hopes were fading fast. Facing a daunting target of 229, Rohit’s fine half-century gave the home side a good start in the innings.
Despite the three-week layoff, Rohit showed no signs of rust as he dismantled the LSG bowling attack. His comeback innings did have the trademark shots of Rohit Sharma and the fans couldn’t ask for more. He remains one of the most feared openers for the opening bowlers in the format. Before the injury, he had averaged 45.66 with a strike rate of 165.06, but this performance exceeded his season standards. By reaching a milestone half-century in record time, he not only entertained the home crowd but also made a record. This was his fourth fastest fifty in IPL history and provided a masterclass in power-hitting.
|
Rank |
Opponent |
Balls Taken |
Venue |
Season |
|
1 |
Chennai Super Kings |
22 |
Mumbai (Wankhede) |
2015 |
|
2 |
Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) |
23 |
Mumbai (Brabourne) |
2015 |
|
3 |
Kolkata Knight Riders |
23 |
Mumbai (Wankhede) |
2013 |
|
4 |
Lucknow Super Giants |
24 |
Mumbai (Wankhede) |
2026 |
|
5 |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
24 |
Bengaluru |
2018 |
1) 22-ball half century vs Chennai Super Kings, 2015
The fastest of his career came during the IPL 2015 Final against CSK, where he reached fifty in just 22 balls. This blistering start set the tone for Mumbai Indians' second title, as he scored a brilliant knock under pressure to keep his franchise on track. It is one of the most impactful knocks he has played in his IPL career.
2) 23-ball half century vs Delhi Daredevils, 2015
In the same 2015 season, Rohit produced another terrific knock against Delhi Daredevils, reaching the mark in 23 balls. This innings had come at the Brabourne Stadium as he utilized the short boundaries effectively. Rohit Sharma showcased his ability to find gaps with minimal effort while maintaining a relentless scoring rate.
3) 23-ball half century vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2013
In the 2013 IPL season, Rohit Sharma dismantled Kolkata Knight Riders with a 23-ball fifty. This innings was a testament to his early years as MI captain, where he took the responsibility of the chase upon himself. He established his dominance at the Wankhede with ease and turned the tide of the match in a jiffy.
4) 24-ball half century vs Lucknow Super Giants, 2026
His most recent feat occurred in IPL 2026, where he notched a 24-ball half-century against Lucknow Super Giants. He marked his comeback as an Impact Player, Rohit attacked the pacers with his aggressive approach. He once again proved that his timing remained impeccable despite the three-week injury layoff and the immense pressure of a 229-run chase.
5) 24-ball half century vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2018
Rohit Sharma's 24-ball fifty against RCB in 2018 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The stadium itself is known for being a batter’s paradise and Rohit exploited the conditions perfectly. He took on the RCB bowling attack with authority and a flurry of boundaries. His knock left the Bengaluru crowd in awe and wiped off the smile of the home crowd.
