From Hero To Zero: Rohit Sharma Falls For Golden Duck As Fans Exit Jaipur Stadium In Disbelief

The Dismissal: A Rare Misstep for the Hitman

The atmosphere in Jaipur was electric early Friday morning after Uttarakhand captain Kunal Chandela won the toss and invited Mumbai to bat. Thousands had filled the stands specifically to watch the 38-year-old veteran repeat his recent heroics.

However, the excitement was short-lived. Uttarakhand pacer Devendra Bora delivered a shock to the Mumbai camp by removing Rohit on the opening delivery of the match.

• The Ball: Rohit attempted his signature pick-up pull shot, a move that has historically yielded countless boundaries.
• The Result: He failed to time the connection, leading to a simple catch and a golden duck that silenced the “Hitman” chants.

As Rohit made the long walk back to the pavilion, a significant portion of the crowd began to exit the stadium, proving that for many, the “Hitman” was the main and only attraction.

A Contrast to the Sikkim Blitz

The disappointment was magnified by Rohit’s performance on Wednesday, December 24. In Mumbai’s tournament opener against Sikkim, Rohit looked untouchable:

• Score: 155 runs off 94 balls.
• Impact: He helped Mumbai chase down 237 with nearly 20 overs to spare.
• Vintage Form: He hit boundaries at will, reminding critics why he remains a vital part of India’s white-ball plans.

Rohit Sharma’s Road Ahead in 2026

Despite the golden duck, Rohit’s 2025 has been a year of resurgence in the 50-over format. After retiring from Test cricket following a difficult Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit has focused solely on ODIs with great success:

• Australia Tour: Named Player of the Series after scoring a century and a fifty.
• South Africa Series: Hit two half-centuries and maintained a prolific partnership with Virat Kohli.

With the BCCI’s mandatory participation rule satisfied, it is currently unclear if Rohit will continue with the Mumbai squad for the rest of the Vijay Hazare Trophy or begin his specialized training for the New Zealand series.