'Shadow captaincy': Rohit Sharma's 'instructions' from the stands go viral as Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Capitals in IPL thriller
In a nail-biting IPL 2025 clash, Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by 12 runs. Karun Nair¡¯s explosive 52 gave DC hope, but three run-outs and a tight MI bowling display sealed the deal. Off the field, Rohit Sharma¡¯s viral ¡°shadow captaincy¡± ¡ª giving tactical signals from the dugout ¡ª became a major talking point.
In a thrilling IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Mumbai Indians clinched a 12-run win over Delhi Capitals. But you just don't win the game on the field. While MI celebrated a much-needed victory, it was Rohit Sharma's animated instructions from the dugout that lit up social media, with fans crediting Sharma with 'Shadow Captaincy.'
Rohit Sharma calls shots off the field
Though not part of the fielding unit, Rohit Sharma was far from passive. In pics going viral on social media, Sharma is caught gesturing tactics, signaling field changes, and engaging with the squad from behind the boundary, complimenting captain Hardik Pandya's efforts on the field. The internet quickly crowned him "shadow captain," applauding his leadership instincts¡ªeven from off the field.
Fans laud Rohit Sharma
Fans of Rohit Sharma have now taken to social media to laud Rohit Sharma's efforts that they believe played a crucial role in securing MI a much-needed victory.
One fan wrote, "The GOAT leader and 2 ICC trophies winner captain for a reason."
The GOAT leader and 2 ICC trophies winner captain for a reason ???
¡ª Akki Rohit (@anshu_gs48003) April 13, 2025
The second user wrote, "Thank you, Rohit sir. My favorite team, Mumbai, is now in a winning position because of you. Hope the paper capacity doesn¡¯t bottle it from here."
Thank you rohit sir.
¡ª ??? (@Venwtf_) April 13, 2025
My fav team mumbai is now in a winning position because of you. Hope the paper capacity doesn¡¯t bottle it from here.
One fan noted that even Mumbai Indian's bowling coach, Paras Mahambrey, also appreciated Rohit. "Once again proved, great captain in Indian cricket history," mentioned X user wrote.
Mumbai Indians bowling coach paras mahambrey also appreciated rohit:pic.twitter.com/kc2br6m20D https://t.co/lnAwvFOcYw
¡ª ASHER. (@ASHUTOSHAB10731) April 13, 2025
check out some more reactions below:
This was the moment where MI turned back the game. Rohit Sharma is their leader.?? pic.twitter.com/JaTJ78v9J8
¡ª ???????? ? (@ImHydro45) April 13, 2025
Celebration of Rohit Sharma after Mumbai Indians victory. Bro was leading the team today unofficially.?? pic.twitter.com/4PmvLLKDWG
¡ª ???????? ? (@ImHydro45) April 13, 2025
DC falls just short despite Karun's fireworks
Chasing 206, Delhi Capitals looked like they might just pull it off ¡ª especially when Karun Nair lit up the evening with a fiery 52 off 25 balls. For a while, the momentum was with DC. But then, things started to spiral. In the end, after three back-to-back run-outs, DC crashed to 199 all out, just 12 runs shy, leaving fans shaking their heads.
This marked DC's first defeat in the tournament, while MI secured their second victory.
Teams
Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul(w), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel(c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Mohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar
Impact Subs: Darshan Nalkande, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Donovan Ferreira, Dushmantha Chameera
Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton(w), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
Impact Subs: Corbin Bosch, Robin Minz, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Bawa, Karn Sharma
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