Watch: Rohit Sharma playful lift of Harbhajan Singh elevates the mood after Mumbai Indians' defeat vs Rajasthan Royals

‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma stepped back onto the familiar ground of Wankhede Stadium during Mumbai Indians versus Rajasthan Royals' IPL 2024 clash on April 1. This marked his first time there since being replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya in December 2023. Rohit had held the captaincy for a decade, leading the Mumbai Indians to an impressive five IPL titles. Monday's match against the Rajasthan Royals was a unique one for Rohit. It was his first time playing an IPL game at Wankhede without the captain's armband since 2013. Despite the change, there were signs of good sportsmanship. Cameras captured a friendly moment between Rohit and his former teammate Harbhajan Singh, suggesting a jovial mood before the game began.

ALSO READ: 'I could have done better...': Hardik Pandya blames himself for Mumbai India's 3rd straight defeat in IPL 2024 against Rajasthan Royals

Rohit-Harbhajan's bromance on display

The ex-Indian spinner is currently serving as a commentator in the active tournament. While Rohit Sharma was seen practicing on the field, Harbhajan Singh was engaged in his commentary responsibilities. A video that quickly spread across social media shows Rohit and Harbhajan approaching each other, leading to Rohit lifting Harbhajan in a friendly hug. Rohit also exchanged greetings with Mohammad Kaif and Navjot Singh Sidhu.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Talking about the match, MI suffered their third straight defeat in the ongoing season of the IPL, following six-wicket loss to RR to continue their stay at the bottom of the points table.

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma urges Mumbai crowd to stop booing captain Hardik Pandya, heartwarming gesture wins internet

Put to bat first, Rohit did not perform as expected, getting dismissed for a golden duck in the opening over. He nicked a delivery from Trent Boult to the wicketkeeper, where Sanju Samson executed an impressive catch. Royals managed to limit the Mumbai Indians to a paltry score of 125/9.

Trent Boult was instrumental in demolishing Mumbai's batting lineup early on by taking out Rohit, Naman Dhir, and Dewald Brevis, all for golden ducks. Nandre Burger also took out Ishan Kishan for a low score, leaving Mumbai struggling at 20 for 4. Despite a 56-run partnership between Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma that provided some stability, but only to see his side crashing.

In reply, RR rode on another heroic act by Riyan Parag, who scored an unbeaten 54 off 39 balls to take his team home with six wickets and 27 balls to spare.

MORE ON SPORTS TAK:

'More disciplined and show a lot more courage': Hardik Pandya explains what he wants from his teammates after 3 defeats in a row

IPL 2024: KKR's home game against RR at Eden Gardens likely to be rescheduled or relocated; know important must-know details here

Watch: Sanjay Manjrekar comes to Hardik Pandya's rescue at coin toss, asks Mumbai crowd to stop booing and ‘behave’