IPL 2019: Rohit Sharma at the Top of the Order Will Make Mumbai Indians a Stronger Unit Feels Sunil Gavaskar
Mar 24, 2019 at 3:22 PM
There is no doubt about the fact that Rohit Sharma is one of the finest ever white ball batters the world has ever seen. Despite the majority of his success coming as an opener for India, Rohit Sharma has hardly opened for his franchise Mumbai Indians. He has batted in the middle order and wanted the team to bat around him. However, he is expected to open for Mumbai this season as he needs much-needed match practice at the top of the order ahead of the all-important World Cup.
Former Team India great Sunil Gavaskar feels that Mumbai Indians will possess a stronger threat this year as Rohit Sharma will be opening for them all through the tournament. His record at the top of the order is simply superb. Hence Mumbai will look to turn their fortunes from last year and make it their 4th title.
Mumbai Indians failed to make it to the playoffs last year after losing 8 of their 14 group games. One of the major reasons behind their downfall was the inconsistent form for Rohit Sharma. He scored a mere 286 runs in the tournament and didn’t help Mumbai in crucial junctures of the game. Sunil Gavaskar feels that Mumbai Indians who did a terrific job during the December Auctions will look to wipe out their tag of being the slow starters.
“Mumbai has won the trophy every alternate year since 2013 and so will be fancying their chances this year,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Times of India. “They have bid smartly at the auction and with Rohit Sharma opening the batting they will be hard to stop. They have been slow starters in the tournament over the years which is what they will try and change this year.”
Mumbai Indians will start their IPL 12 campaign with a home game against the Delhi Capitals from 8 pm today. Mumbai boasts of a solid team which is balanced with youth and experience. Delhi Capitals who were previously Delhi Daredevils will surely look to get off to a winning start. They have been the perennial underachievers of the tournament. However, their squad consists of some exceptional players. Hence they will be upbeat of winning their first IPL title this time.