'Good to see Mohit Sharma back' - Fans react as Mohit Sharma's sensational spell on IPL return restricts PBKS under 160

The exhilarating action continued in the Indian Premier League season 16 as Punjab Kings took on Gujarat Titans in Match 18 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Gujarat captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and invited Punjab to bat first.

During the first innings of the game, right-arm seamer Mohit Sharma stole the limelight with his brilliant spell of 2/18 in four overs. He finished as the pick of the bowlers after making an IPL comeback after three years. The 31-year-old was brought into the attack in the 11^th over of the innings and gave away six runs in his first over.

Sharma got his first scalp in his second over as he dismissed Jitesh Sharma for 25 (23), who was looking set at the crease. He further got rid of well-set Sam Curran who was looking to up the ante in the final two overs of the innings.

Notably, Mohit Sharma was the purple cap winner in the 2014 edition of the IPL as he finished the season with 23 wickets at an average of 19.65. His magnificent performance also earned him a place in the Indian squad for the ODI World Cup 2015.

Coming back to Punjab’s innings, playing in their home ground, they didn’t get off to a good start as Mohammed Shami dismissed Prabhsimran Singh on just the second ball of the innings. The orange cap holder captain Shikhar Dhawan also departed cheaply after scoring just eight runs as Punjab got their second blow inside the powerplay.

Punjab Kings finish their innings on 153/8

After the two early wickets, Matthew Short was looking in good touch as he scored 36 off 24 balls but his innings was cut short by Rashid Khan, who cleaned him up in the seventh over. Bhanuka Rajapaksa was seen struggling in the middle as he scored 20 off 26 balls and got out to Alzarri Joseph.

Contributions from Jitesh Sharma, Sam Curran (22 off 22) and Shahrukh Khan (22 off 9) helped Punjab finish their innings on 153/8 in their allotted 20 overs. All of Gujarat’s bowlers picked up one wicket each with Mohit Sharma leading in the wickets column with two wickets to his name.

Here's how Twitter Reacted:

CricketMAN2@ImTanujSingh

What a return of Mohit Sharma in IPL. He is playing IPL after 2020 season and today he bowled incredibly well. His bowling figure (4-0-18-2) against Punjab Kings. The redemption of Mohit Sharma, Outstanding!

09:19 PM · Apr 13, 2023

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Archer@poserarcher

Mohit sharma witha a another wicket, M convinced this franchise revives careers . I hate to say it but Khushboo Gujarat ki.

09:15 PM · Apr 13, 2023

363

Saikat Ghosh@Ghosh_Analysis

Good to see Mohit Sharma back. Last played in IPL 2020. He, however, didn't give up and kept his match fitness by playing domestic. He revealed how Ashish Nehra created a perfect environment for him at GT as he was called up as net bowler #PBKSvGT | #PBKSvsGT

09:34 PM · Apr 13, 2023

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Mohsin Kamal@64MohsinKamal

Loved what Mohit Sharma said in the mid-match interview! He was asked if he was unhappy to be brought in as a net bowler initially despite being so experienced, he said: “Being a net bowler is no shame! I thought instead of being at home why not join #GT as a net bowler,”#PBKSvGT

09:34 PM · Apr 13, 2023

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Cricketangon@cricketangon

4-0-18-2 💥 Gujarat Titans have got the immediate result of replacing Yash Dayal with Mohit Sharma. Outstanding bowling performance from him! 👏🏻 #IPL

09:32 PM · Apr 13, 2023

00

Jaammii..🏏@Jaammiing

Despite all these, Anyway, the conversation between Mohit Sharma and Murali Karthik has filled my eyes tbh. 😟

09:32 PM · Apr 13, 2023

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Vikram Rajput@iVikramRajput

What a comeback Mohit Sharma. Mohit Sharma bowling figure (4-0-18-2) against Punjab Kings. Mohit is playing his debut match this season after 2020. He replaced Yash Dayal for today's match. #MohitSharma #PKBSvsGT

09:32 PM · Apr 13, 2023

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Maulik Vadariya@MaulikVadariya

So inspiring to listen to Mohit Sharma. Working as a net bowler last year. Part of XI today. Is there any sports person whose story is not inspiring? #GTvsPBKS

09:32 PM · Apr 13, 2023

20

CriiicWorld@Criiicworld

Mohit Sharma, playing his first IPL match since 2020, making his debut for Gujarat, went for just 18 runs from 4 overs by taking 2 wickets. Welcome back, Mohit. #CriiicWorld #IPL2023

09:29 PM · Apr 13, 2023

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CricInformer@CricInformer

Mohit Sharma takes two wickets in his debut match for Gujarat Titans. 📸: IPL #Cricket #cricketnews #CricketTwitter #GTvsPBKS #IPL2023 #IPL #MohitSharma

09:28 PM · Apr 13, 2023

20

Test Match Special@bbctms

22 for @CurranSM as @PunjabKingsIPL are restricted to 153/8. Mohit Sharma 2/18. Commentary on the @gujarat_titans reply live on 5 Sports Extra & @BBCSounds. Every County match is live on the @BBCSport website & app. #bbccricket #IPL2023

09:27 PM · Apr 13, 2023

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