Rohit Sharma’s “well-measured” 70-run performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad was praised by former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden, who also noted that the opener’s innings showed “vision, stability, and perfect timing.”

MI’s chase went smoothly after limiting SRH to 143/8. Rohit led his side to triumph for the second time in a row with 70 (46), and MI won with 4.2 overs remaining to take third position in the rankings.

Rohit became only the second Indian, behind Virat Kohli, to score 12,000 runs in T20s with his incredible 70 off just 46 balls. In addition to smashing three sixes, Rohit passed batting coach Kieron Pollard as the Mumbai Indians’ player with the most sixes. With two more than Pollard, the former captain currently leads the squad with 260 sixes.

“It was a superb, well-timed innings. Power was there, but his pace was the most important factor. He was aware that he needed to pursue a reasonable total. The Mumbai Indians had a lot of energy left after winning by seven wickets. The victory was quite confident and forceful, something Sunrisers Hyderabad blatantly lacked. Rohit’s innings was well-timed, steady, and visionary. On JioHotstar, Hayden said, “It caused the rest of the team to soar ahead.”

Early on, SRH was five down for 35 after batting first. Heinrich Klaasen (71) then delivered a spectacular knock, and Klaasen and Abhinav Manohar (43), who formed a formidable fighting tandem, followed. After launching a 15-run over against Vignesh Puthur, Klaasen reached his maiden fifty of the season with 34 deliveries. After reaching 100 in the 17th over, SRH had a spectacular finish that saw them reach 143/8.

Hayden also discussed his opinion on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s failure, stating that “a lack of confidence is the simplest explanation.” It’s difficult to recover when you start losing the way SRH has. They were regarded as benchmark hitters, but that is no longer the case. The middle order has had problems as a result. It all boils down to rebuilding trust across the squad, not just in the top order.

“They must put their own game first and quit overanalyzing.” SRH is currently pursuing this tournament, chasing combinations, and even pursuing the strength that was once their potent batting unit,” he said.