Rohit Sharma becomes second batter after Virat Kohli to scale 7000-mark in IPL

IPL: Rohit Sharma becomes second batter after Virat Kohli to scale 7000-mark (BCCI Photo)

Rohit Sharma added yet another feather to his illustrious hat as he became the second batter to scale the 7000-run milestone in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rohit achieved the feat in the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at Mullanpur, which his 271st match and 266 innings. Only Virat Kohli has more runs than Rohit in the cash-rich tournament. The Royak Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend has 8618 runs from 266 matches and 258 innings.

Rohit started the innings on a rather slow note and was also handed two lifelines before he could reach the landmark. However, once he got into the groove Rohit was flamboyant and he combined with Jonny Bairstow to drive Mumbai to 79/0 in the powerplay, following which GT opted for a strategic timeout. Soon after the break, Mumbai lost the wicket of Bairstow for 47(22), featuring four boundaries and three maximums.

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Rohit, however, is still going strong and has completed his half-century, taking 28 balls to reach the landmark. He was then joined by Suryakumar Yadav and the duo stitched 49 runs for the second wicket before the latter fell for 33(20).

Rohit was eventually dismissed for 81 off 50 balls, which was laced with nine 4s and four 6s.

1st Indian to hit 300 sixes

Meanwhile, Rohit also became the first Indian and second overall to hit 300 sixes in the IPL. Only Chris Gayle has more maximums than Rohit in the T20 competition. The 'Universe Boss' has smoked the ball 357 times over the boundary ropes in IPL. Kohli, on the other hand, is placed third on the list with 291 maximums.

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Rohit began his IPL journey with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, for whom he played for three seasons before being acquired by the Mumbai Indians. Rohit has been part of the franchise and has led them to five IPL titles.

Rohit was succeeded by Hardik Pandya in the leadership role last year, which was after the all-rounder led Gujarat to a IPL trophy and runners-up finish. While Pandya's first season as skipper at MI was underwhelming, this year the franchise have reached the playoffs and are eyeing a record sixth-title.