The buzz around IPL 2026 had already reached fever pitch following the high-voltage opener between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, two of the league’s most celebrated franchises. The context between the two sides delivered yet another thrilling spectacle. The contest had everything—big runs, fearless batting, and a moment of brilliance in the field that instantly went viral.
While Mumbai Indians eventually pulled off a historic chase, one moment that stood out during the game was the breathtaking catch by Anukul Roy to dismiss Rohit Sharma, cutting short what had been a sensational innings.
Anukul Roy pulls off a blinder to dismiss Rohit Sharma
The turning point arrived on the fifth ball of the 12th over when Vaibhav Arora delivered a full toss outside off. Rohit, who was in sublime touch, attempted to whip it across the line but failed to time it cleanly. The ball ballooned towards wide mid-on, where Anukul Roy sprinted in from inside the circle.
For a split second, it seemed the ball might fall safely, but Roy had other plans. Showing exceptional awareness and athleticism, he tracked the ball while running backwards before launching into a full-stretch dive. The left-arm all-rounder managed to cling onto the ball inches above the turf, completing a spectacular catch that left players and fans stunned.
Rohit’s dismissal brought an end to a commanding knock of 78, and as he walked back, the Wankhede crowd rose in unison to applaud the effort. Even in dismissal, the veteran batter’s impact on the game was undeniable.
Here’s the video:
Athleticism at its best
Anukul Roy with a 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 to end Rohit Sharma’s fabulous innings
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Also READ: MI Coach Mahela Jayawardene explains why Suryakumar Yadav played as impact player in IPL 2026 clash against KKR
Mumbai Indians script history with record-breaking chase
Despite losing Rohit after a dominant start, Mumbai Indians showed remarkable composure to chase down a daunting 221-run target. The chase turned into a historic milestone, marking the franchise’s highest successful run chase in IPL history, surpassing their previous best of 219 against Chennai Super Kings in 2021.
It was also the highest successful chase ever recorded at the Wankhede Stadium in the IPL, underlining the magnitude of the achievement. The foundation was laid by Rohit and Ryan Rickelton, whose massive 148-run opening stand dismantled Kolkata’s bowling attack.
The victory held even greater significance as it ended a long-standing streak. Mumbai Indians had not won their opening match of an IPL season since 2012, making this triumph their first opening-game win in 14 years—a gap of 5,107 days. Remarkably, this was only the fifth time in 19 IPL seasons that Mumbai managed to win their first match, with all previous instances coming between 2009 and 2012.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton guide MI to record-breaking win over KKR in IPL 2026
