Rohit Sharma credited luck and team effort as the Mumbai Indians stormed into Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025 with a 20-run win over the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator on Friday. The former MI captain top-scored with 81 off 50 balls and was named Player of the Match for setting up their imposing total of 228/5. "I definitely would have liked to get more [fifties]. But today was a good day for us as a team. I do understand the importance of playing this Eliminator and going through this next step, taking that step forward. Again, a complete team performance, which we are really, really proud of," Rohit said after the match. He also reflected on how lucky he was while he was batting, as there were a couple of drop catches early in the innings. "To be honest, I've played all those shots in the game before and unfortunately, I found fielders. Somewhere down the line, you know, you've got to be lucky and today was that day for me. I got lucky," he added. Despite being dropped twice during his innings, Rohit made the most of the chances and anchored the innings alongside Jonny Bairstow, who smashed a 22-ball 47 in his first game for MI this season. Rohit acknowledged the fielding lapses but also highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum. "You know, those catches were dropped. But again, like I said, even after the drops, you still have to play well to get those runs. And that is what I was focusing on, how I can keep that momentum going, keep that tempo going, which was brilliant from our entire batting unit to get that score. And then, like I said, it was a good bowling effort as well." Also READ: “We’ll celebrate on June 3!”: Suyash Sharma, Phil Salt reflect on RCB’s dominating win over PBKS Rohit hails Bairstow’s impact on MI debut Rohit also praised Bairstow's performance, calling him a natural fit in MI's aggressive setup. "I've watched him over the years being on the other side," Rohit said of Bairstow. "But it was nice to be on the same side and have a crack at it. We know the quality that he has; a lot of experience playing this format. And we know what he can do upfront with the bat." Also READ: IPL 2025: GT vs MI Clash Sparks Frenzy on Twitter He also pointed out how the duo played the powerplay, which set up the tone for the mammoth total. "That is exactly what it did. It never looked like he was playing his first game for this franchise. You know, got settled in pretty well, took his chances and it came off. And it was a good start. We always look for that start. We got that start and we then obviously capitalised on it." Mumbai Indians will next face Punjab Kings in the Qualifier Two on Sunday.