- June 1, 2025
It’s that time of the IPL season again—high stakes, packed stadiums, and complete nail-biters. Now, as we march into Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025, two seasoned campaigners, Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, will weigh heavily on the minds of the commentators, as they have been the primary cogs in their teams – Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, respectively. Their performances could be the difference between packing bags and going to the final. But in an IPL playoff setting, who has the edge? Let’s discuss.
Crunching the Numbers: What the Stats Really Say
Rohit Sharma’s 397 runs in 22 IPL playoff innings, with an average of 18.90 and a strike rate of 116.76, might seem modest. But his crucial 81 against the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator showed he still knows how to deliver under pressure, keeping the Mumbai Indians firmly in the title race.
Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, has significantly fewer playoff innings (10 innings) and has scored 216 in the playoffs at a better average of 36 and a better strike rate of 126.31. This is a clear positive for consistency and functionality, especially under pressure. Plus, when you add in the 65 in the 2020 final and the 58 in the IPL 2024 that took KKR to the top, he has, compared to most, had a great postseason.
The Captain’s Crown: Leading from the Front
Rohit Sharma has guided his team to five Indian Premier League championships and is 11-4 in playoff games as a captain. Rohit is calm under pressure and can have clarity in critical moments of decision-making, which has led MI to become one of the most successful teams in the league. Even in a season he does not captain, MI has the advantage of his leadership DNA throughout the season during points of critical decision making.
Let’s switch perspectives. Shreyas Iyer may not have a cabinet full of IPL trophies yet, but he is building a good portfolio. He is the only captain to have taken Delhi Capitals to the finals (2020), plus he led KKR to the title in 2024. His captaincy record in the playoffs, four wins from eight attempts- a 50%-win ratio. Not terrible for someone still developing his leadership style and technique.
Rohit wins on legacy and numbers, but Iyer clearly is showing he is no slouch when it comes to leading under pressure.
Game-Changer Moments: Stepping Up Under Pressure
Playoffs are the business end of the tournament – this is where stars shine, or fade away. Rohit’s record in winning causes is telling – 331 of his 397 playoff runs (over 83%) came in victories. When he comes off, MI usually comes off as well. That’s what you want from an experienced head.
Iyer’s story is different. Of his 216 runs in the playoffs, only 93 (roughly 43%) have occurred in wins for his team. His innings have been some of the coolest and elegant you want to see, but cool does not always equal team success. That said, he has moments that can change the game, like the 58* in IPL 2024, and so it is not like he lacks game-changing potential.
With the Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings preparing to face off in their do-or-die Qualifier 2 match-up, it is a good time to think about the next chapter in the IPL stories of Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer. Rohit is the big-match, big-trophy guy, while Iyer is known for his consistency and growing reputation as a clutch player.
So, who will shine brighter this time? Will Rohit’s experience shine and take advantage, or will Iyer’s consistent performances finally carry him over the playoff finish line?
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