Rohit Sharma's masterclass against KKR in 2012 still shines bright in IPL history
Some stats merely decorate a scoresheet, but then there are performances that resonate through time. On the enchanting night of May 12, 2012, under the twinkling Kolkata sky, Rohit Sharma crafted an innings that propelled him from a promising young talent to a T20 legend. That memorable evening at Eden Gardens, he etched his name in history as only the eighth Indian to score a century in the IPL, a milestone that paved the way for the Mumbai Indians' emphatic triumph over the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Credit: ESPNcricinfo
The stakes were high, the opponents formidable, and the Mumbai team had already felt the absence of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (2), lost early in the match. But from that point, the spotlight shone solely on one individual – Rohit Sharma, who transformed pressure into poetry on the field, captivating the hearts of fans and securing his place in cricketing lore.
Rohit did not start his innings in a hurry. He was patient, finding his rhythm before unleashing his full range of strokes. The short ball posed no threat; in fact, he feasted on it. Brett Lee was sent soaring over square leg, Shakib Al Hasan was sliced through point twice, and Sunil Narine – one of the most feared spinners in the tournament – found himself on the receiving end of Rohit's effortless slog-sweeps as Hitman reached his 50 in just 29 deliveries.
Credit: ESPNcricinfo
The absolute carnage, however, began when Jacques Kallis entered the attack. Rohit flicked him effortlessly past fine leg to bring up his half-century, and from there, he shifted gears like only he could.
Credit: India Today
The next over against Rajat Bhatia went for 19 runs, and soon, Brett Lee was once again at his mercy. The moment finally arrived when Rohit smashed Lee over long-on, raced to his century, and soaked in the applause of a stunned Eden Gardens crowd.
The scoreboard told the story of Rohit's dominance, showcasing an impressive 109* off just 60 balls, with 12 fours and 5 sixes. His performance included a mammoth 167-run partnership with Herschelle Gibbs (66), who, playing his first match of the season, proved to be no silent partner.
Gibbs played a composed yet destructive knock, effortlessly smashing Lee over extra cover and stepping out against spinners as if he had never left the crease. However, even the brilliance of Gibbs was overshadowed by Rohit's relentless stroke play.
Defending 182, Mumbai's bowlers knew they had to strike early, and they did just that. In red-hot form throughout the season, Gautam Gambhir (0) was bowled attempting to cut in the first over. His opening partner, Manvinder Bisla (1), followed soon after, and despite Jacques Kallis' valiant 79, Kolkata never really threatened Mumbai's total.
Credit: ESPNcricinfo
Yusuf Pathan, struggling for form all season, showed glimpses of his power with an unbeaten 40, but the damage had already been done. The Knight Riders' seven-match winning streak came to an abrupt end, and the Mumbai Indians secured their place in the top four.
Credit: cricketcountry
Rohit Sharma's first IPL ton was not just another milestone but a glimpse into the future. A future where he would become one of IPL's most successful captains, a record-breaking opener, and a man with three ODI double-hundreds to his name. But on that night in 2012, he was simply a young batter who had arrived. And what an arrival it was.
