Rohit takes Orange Cap after quick start to IPL 2026
At 38, Rohit Sharma leads from the front, attacking early and setting the tone at the top with intent and control, Rohit moved to the top of the run charts in IPL 2026 after a 35 off 26 balls against Delhi Capitals in Delhi.
Opening for Mumbai Indians, he hit five fours and a six to give his side early momentum. The knock took him to 113 runs in two matches, overtaking Cooper Connolly.
Rohit had earlier made 78 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite a long IPL career, he has not won the Orange Cap before.
Mumbai post 162 as Delhi stay slightly ahead in chase equation
Mumbai Indians finished on 162 for 6 against Delhi Capitals after being put in to bat, a total that looks competitive but not beyond reach on this surface.
The innings never fully broke free. Early wickets kept Mumbai in check before Suryakumar Yadav steadied things with 51 off 36 balls. He handled spin well and kept the scoring rate close to eight an over through the middle phase.
Rohit Sharma, playing his most T20 matches for the franchise, made 35 but could not convert his start. His dismissal just before the halfway stage slowed momentum again. Contributions from the lower order, including late hits from Mitchell Santner and Corbin Bosch, added 45 runs in the last five overs, pushing Mumbai past 160.
Delhi bowlers keep control through phases
Delhi’s bowling effort was disciplined rather than dominant. Mukesh Kumar picked up two early wickets and finished with 2 for 26, setting the tone in the powerplay. T Natarajan used slower balls effectively at the death and took a key wicket in the 19th over.
Spin did not fully control the game but did enough to avoid damage. Kuldeep Yadav went for runs without taking a wicket, while Axar Patel kept things tight and removed Rohit at a key moment.
The surface offered some grip, which made stroke-making inconsistent. Mumbai’s total reflects that. It is a score that keeps them in the game, but Delhi will back themselves to chase with a steady start.