Rohit Sharma delivered his best performance of the season in a valiant effort, scoring a blistering 68 off 38 balls, but it wasn't enough to prevent Mumbai Indians (MI) from ending their IPL 2024 campaign on a low note.

MI suffered an 18-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at home, finishing at 196 for six in pursuit of 215, ultimately placing last in the league for the second time in three years.

Despite Rohit's early fireworks, MI's middle-order faltered, losing momentum and failing to capitalize on the strong platform set by their captain. Young talent Naman Dhir showcased his potential with a late half-century, but his effort came too late to change the game's outcome.

For LSG, Nicholas Pooran's explosive 75 off 29 balls, coupled with KL Rahul's measured 55, propelled them to a formidable total of 214 for 6. This victory moved LSG to the sixth spot in the standings, although their net run rate remained marginally negative at -0.667.

The match potentially marked the end of Rohit Sharma's 14-year journey with MI, as rumors swirl about his future with the franchise following Hardik Pandya

's controversial appointment as captain. Despite enduring a challenging season, Rohit ended as MI's third-highest run-scorer.

Hardik Pandya's captaincy faced significant backlash from fans, who frequently booed him and showed unwavering support for Rohit, their long-time leader.

Even during Rohit's outstanding innings, the crowd's ovation quickly turned to hooting when Hardik took the field, underscoring the fans' discontent with the leadership change.

Earlier in the game, Pooran's quick-fire innings rescued LSG from a sluggish start. Struggling at 69 for 3 at the halfway mark, his aggressive batting helped LSG recover and post a competitive total, ultimately securing a crucial win.

Source: Times of India

BDST: 1212 HRS, MAY 18, 2024
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