[Watch] Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan reunite in heartwarming moment ahead of MI-PBKS IPL 2024 clash
Legendary Indian opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan reunited and shared a warm hug with other pleasantries ahead of the all-important IPL 2024 clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur on Thursday, April 18.
The duo formed one of the most successful partnerships in ODI history, scoring 5148 runs (fourth all-time) at an average of 45.55 in 115 stints. Their opening partnership also produced an incredible 18 100-plus stands in ODIs, second only to the Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly opening pair with 21.
Rohit and Shikhar hugged each other before sharing a few words and laughter as seen in the video below by the Jio Cinema Twitter handle.
Dhawan continued to miss time with a shoulder injury, while Rohit opened the batting for MI in the crucial fixture.
The PBKS skipper played the side's first five games, scoring 152 runs at an average of 30.40 and a strike rate of 125.61. Meanwhile, Rohit has rediscovered his best form that had evaded him over the last few IPL seasons without the captaincy burden.
The 36-year-old has amassed 297 runs at an average of 49.50 and a strike rate of over 164 in seven outings.
Rohit Sharma plays a vital knock in MI's thrilling win over PBKS
Coming off a sensational unbeaten century in a losing cause against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rohit Sharma continued his terrific form against PBKS. The veteran opener scored a sublime 36 off 25 deliveries and was involved in a crucial 81-run second-wicket partnership with Suryakumar Yadav to help MI reach a formidable 192/7 in 20 overs.
The five-time champions then reduced PBKS to 14/4 in two overs and appeared to be on course towards a crushing win. However, things turned when the lower-middle order duo of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma produced another recovery act.
While Shashank scored a 25-ball 41, the latter did even better with a blistering 61 off 28 to have PBKS within striking distance of a miraculous victory. Yet, Ashutosh's untimely dismissal in the 18th over was the final nail in the coffin as PBKS fell short by nine runs.
The win helped MI climb to seventh on the points table with their third win in seven games. On the other hand, it was another heartbreaking defeat for ninth-placed PBKS as they continue to be stuck on two wins from seven matches.
Jasprit Bumrah was adjudged Player of the Match for another outstanding spell of 3/21 in his four overs.