Rohit Sharma won the psychological battle against Delhi Capitals in the ongoing IPL 2026 season when he outwitted Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, forcing the Delhi duo to commit a DRS blunder.
It was in the fifth ball of the eighth over, when Rohit attempted to sweep the chinaman but missed the ball, as wicketkeeper KL Rahul collected it behind the stumps. This led to a loud appeal, which the umpire turned down. KL was convinced, so was Kuldeep.
Interestingly, Rohit’s reaction added more impetus to the appeal, prompting DC to take the review. Replays showed definite deflection, and UltraEdge said it’s come off the pad. So they did not check for LBW and it’s NOT OUT.
> Kuldeep was bowling. > Ball hit Rohit’s pad, KL took the catch. > Rohit pretended to be OUT. > Axar took the DRS after looking at Rohit. > DRS successfully wasted.That was the Peak SHAANA moment.😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/IfUWsmbiLg
— 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠✓𝐧 (@ImHydro45) April 4, 2026
Later on, Rohit opened up on his tactical bluff and said, “I know Kuldeep pretty well, likes to take the DRS. So, yeah, I was just trying a little bit of luck there.
“But again, I got out pretty much in the next over. I couldn’t carry on. I wanted to take the game as deep as possible, but couldn’t do so.
“But yeah, a little bit of fun there with the guys out there. I was just trying to be, I was just trying to walk there. So, I know Kuldeep, he likes to take the DRS as soon as there is a 50-50 chances. So I was just trying my luck there. It turned out in our favour, but like I said, I got out in the next over. Wanted to bat deep, but couldn’t do so,” he concluded.
Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, DRS and KL Rahul behind the stumps= Match made in heaven. 😭??? #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/6LzjpYccxB
— Saransh Sharma (@ict18745) April 4, 2026
Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians could manage only 162 in 20 overs as they could not build partnerships. Only Rohit Sharma (35) and Suryakumar contributed from the top and middle order. Naaman Dhir made 28.
Chasing 163, Delhi overcame early jitters to romp home in 18.1 overs. Opener Pathum Nissanka contributed a quick-fire 44 after DC lost KL Rahul (1) and Nitish Rana (0) cheaply. Sameer Rizvi hit a sensational 51-ball 90 to guide DC home.
