Hitman’s bat doesn’t work in IPL playoffs, you will be shocked to see the statistics

Rohit Sharma had a mixed performance in the IPL 2025 season, leaving fans both thrilled and somewhat disappointed. Known as the ‘Hitman’ for his aggressive and elegant batting, Rohit has long been a pillar of strength for the Mumbai Indians and one of the most celebrated figures in Indian cricket. His batting flair, calm leadership, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him a loyal following. However, in high-stakes playoff matches, Rohit's numbers have not always reflected the expectations placed upon him, though his impact goes beyond mere statistics.

In the history of the IPL playoffs, Rohit Sharma has played 20 innings and scored a total of 390 runs. His highest score in these matches is 81, showing glimpses of the powerful and fluent batsman he can be. Despite this, his playoff average of 19.50 suggests inconsistency in these crucial games. For a seasoned player with such an impressive overall IPL record, this average seems underwhelming. His strike rate of 120.37 indicates that he maintains a positive scoring intent, but the inability to convert starts into big scores has been a recurring issue. With only three half-centuries in playoff matches, Rohit has not delivered the kind of match-winning innings fans often expect from him in knockout stages. A century or a commanding innings in a final still eludes him, which has become a talking point among cricket experts.

Despite these batting statistics, it would be unfair to judge Rohit solely based on runs. His leadership and tactical acumen have been crucial to Mumbai Indians' dominance in the IPL over the years. Under Rohit’s captaincy, Mumbai Indians have won five IPL titles — a record in the tournament’s history. His ability to make smart decisions, manage bowlers, and keep the team calm in tense situations has often made the difference in playoff matches. Even when his bat has not spoken loudly, his strategic mind has contributed significantly to the team’s success.

In IPL 2025, Rohit Sharma’s performance was a mix of highs and lows. He ended the season with 418 runs, including three half-centuries. His average of 29.85 this season was decent but not exceptional by his standards. However, the numbers do not tell the whole story. In several matches, especially under pressure in the later stages of the tournament, Rohit played important cameos that helped set or chase targets. While these innings may not have been big scores, they were impactful in the context of the matches. His experience and presence at the top of the order gave Mumbai Indians the confidence they needed, especially when younger players were under pressure.

Rohit’s role in the team continues to evolve. While the younger generation is taking on more responsibility, Rohit's presence provides much-needed stability and leadership. His ability to motivate the team, adapt to different match situations, and keep the dressing room united is invaluable. In 2025, even though his individual performance did not reach the heights fans have seen in previous seasons, he remained a crucial asset for Mumbai Indians.

Looking ahead, fans and cricket analysts alike hope to see Rohit Sharma return to peak form. There is still belief that the ‘Hitman’ has many more memorable innings left in him, especially in playoff matches where legends are made. If he can convert starts into big scores and play one or two defining innings next season, he could once again lead Mumbai Indians to glory and silence any doubts about his playoff form.