MI London Opens The Hundred Men’s 2026 Season with Win, as Rohit Sharma Observes

Fresh from his memorable century against England at Lord’s, former India captain Rohit Sharma made a special appearance at the Kia Oval to watch MI London face Sunrisers Leeds in the opening match of The Hundred Men’s 2026. He drew significant fan attention before the game and enjoyed the action from the stands as MI London’s sister franchise launched its campaign in style.

The visit followed Rohit’s decisive 138 against England in the ODI series decider at Lord’s, which quelled retirement speculation. Despite India’s narrow loss in the high‑scoring match, his innings reaffirmed his class, and he reiterated his focus on representing India rather than external noise.

Rohit Sharma Draws Attention at the Kia Oval

Rohit’s arrival quickly became a major talking point before the fixture. The veteran opener mingled with supporters, posed for selfies, and acknowledged fans before entering the stadium. He was also seen conversing with Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani. As MI London, the sister franchise of the Mumbai Indians global brand, took the field, Rohit’s presence amplified the excitement.

The Indian star enters the upcoming international season with renewed confidence, having become the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s. His measured response to speculation surrounding his future earned widespread praise, as he reaffirmed his sole focus on contributing to India’s success whenever he steps onto the field.

Video Highlight

India superstar Rohit Sharma is at the Kia Oval tonight

After a century at Lord’s over the weekend, he’s come south of the river at the ground where the Hundred comes alive!#MILondon pic.twitter.com/EKkta21nXh

— MI London (@MILondonCricket) July 21, 2026

MI London Launch Dominant Win in The Hundred Men’s 2026 Campaign

MI London began their The Hundred Men’s 2026 campaign with a dominant seven‑wicket victory over Sunrisers Leeds at the Kia Oval, finishing with 16 balls to spare. After winning the toss and electing to field, they limited Sunrisers Leeds to 143. Ryan Rickelton and Mitch Marsh launched an aggressive start, with Marsh top‑scoring 41 off 27 balls. Harry Brook hit a swift six but was dismissed by Rashid Khan before converting his start.

Richard Gleeson delivered a standout bowling spell for MI London, taking four wickets for 25 runs and breaking up the middle order. Tom Alsop contributed a brisk 31, helping Sunrisers reach 143 before a late collapse. The chase got off to a rocky start when Brydon Carse dismissed Will Jacks and Jason Roy cheaply, and Nathan Ellis then dismissed James Vince, leaving MI London at 51/3.

However, Sam Curran and Nicholas Pooran turned the contest around with an unbeaten partnership. Curran anchored the innings with a composed 60 not out from 39 balls, while Pooran unleashed a blistering assault, striking an unbeaten 58 from just 22 deliveries. The West Indies wicketkeeper‑batter also reached a 19‑ball fifty, the fastest half‑century in MI London’s history in The Hundred.

Curran-Pooran duo’s brilliant partnership helps MI London to defeat Sunrisers Leeds by 7 wickets #TheHundred #MILondon #Cricket pic.twitter.com/jB93lS423O

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 22, 2026

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