Rohit Sharma Backs ‘fearless’ Nitish Rana, States Would Like To Retain Him At No.3 Position
Apr 18, 2017 at 4:42 PM
Mumbai Indians’ think tank had a very bothersome fact lingering in their minds despite their team pulling off spectacular victories one after another. With 4 wins in 5 matches, everything seemed to be falling in line for them. But, while the entire unit was putting up good collective efforts, skipper Rohit Sharma was struggling with his form. His poor run in the IPL saw him score just nine runs in four matches before their recent game against Gujarat Lions.
Fortunately, the dry run came to end on Sunday as he scored a fine 29-ball 40 to lead his side to a victory over the Lions. The right-hander struck three boundaries and a six during his knock which was a part of the 68-run partnership with Kieron Pollard.
Sharma looked very relieved to have some runs under his belt and the satisfaction was visible in the post-match interview.
“It’s good to get some runs. I’ve been let down at the start of the tournament. That is not the standard I expect out of myself. But what has gone has gone. I’m not thinking too much about it.”
One amusing factor that stopped Sharma from flourishing in the early stages of the tournament was his inability to play against spinner, the leg break bowler to be particular. He lost his wicket to them on all four occasions to make up an interesting point of discussion.
“It was just a simple mistake I guess. I was trying to play with the spin, which is what we’ve been taught but these guys have been playing googlies.
“So I had to play against it. I mean, the first ball you don’t play against the spin, so… That is something which I was supposed to do out there but I didn’t. I went back to the drawing board and decided to play it straight and not in the ‘V’. I know it sounds stupid to not play in the ‘V’ but that’s how it is now. I mean these days games have changed so much, well, luckily they had only one spinner.”
Rohit Sharma has acted as a sort of floater in the top order. Last season he opened the innings whereas in this season he is settled in the middle order, making way for Jos Buttler to open with Parthiv Patel. The skipper says that he has no issues with the change in the batting line-u as long as it is benefitting the team.
“I would love to open but then (you have to think) certain things from the team’s perspective. I mean with me batting at three, four it gives the right balance. If the team requires me to open, I will go and open also,” he said.
Rana’s half-century was instrumental to Mumbai’s chase on Sunday as it provided a perfect platform for the likes of Pollard and Sharma to free their arms coming lower down the order.
Nitish Rana has emerged as the latest sensation from Mumbai Indians. The ritual of churning out world class players has continued with the left-handed hard-hitters success. His half-century was instrumental to Mumbai’s chase on Sunday as it provided a perfect platform for the likes of Pollard and Sharma to aim for the finishing line.
“And I’m not going to change too much of the batting as well as the guy at No. 3 (Rana) just got the Orange cap. I don’t want to change his position. He’s a fearless cricketer. He likes to take on the bowlers straightaway so I guess the No 3 is the ideal position for him.”