Rohit Sharma Poised to Smash KKR, Says Srikkanth Ahead of IPL 2026 Opener
Rohit Sharma Poised to Smash KKR, Says Srikkanth Ahead of IPL 2026 Opener
A former India great predicts Rohit Sharma will fire against Kolkata Knight Riders as Mumbai Indians begin IPL 2026 at the Wankhede.
Rohit Sharma is tipped to deliver against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2026 opener at the Wankhede, with former India captain Kris Srikkanth predicting a big performance on his YouTube channel. He described Rohit as someone who has often been comfortable against KKR and expects that trend to continue in Mumbai. The call comes as Rohit looks to lead MI in a campaign aimed at ending a five-year title drought.
Rohit’s numbers against KKR back his claim: he has piled up 1,083 runs against them at a strike rate of 127.86, including six half-centuries and a century, with his highest score an unbeaten 109 at Eden Gardens. At the Wankhede, he has 238 runs against KKR at a strike rate of 120.81. Recent form against the side has been quieter, with his last fifty against them dating back to 2020.
Despite that, Rohit’s T20 approach has evolved over the last two seasons. After a steady strike rate around 133 from 2016 to 2023, he pushed it to 150 in 2024 and 149.28 in 2025, signaling a more aggressive start to the MI season. Mumbai Indians will be eager to kick off with a win as they chase their next title, having not lifted the trophy since 2020. The five-time champions will rely on Rohit’s leadership and top-order presence, while KKR are likely to bank on Sunil Narine, a veteran who has troubled Rohit in the past.
All eyes will be on Rohit as MI begin their campaign at the Wankhede, with fans hoping the stir-fry of his fluent batting helps them reclaim IPL glory.
