India opener Rohit Sharma is all set to turn up for Mumbai in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The right-handed batsman will be available for the quarterfinal clash against Bihar. Rohit can also play the semifinal if Mumbai qualifies.
Rohit’s presence will be a big boost for Mumbai as the player is in tremendous form. He recently led India to a record seventh Asia Cup title in absence of skipper Virat Kohli. His captaincy had drawn widespread praise. Rohit had also starred with the bat to lead his team from the front. The 31-year old smashed 317 runs in five innings at an average of over 105.
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Ajit Agarkar, chief of Mumbai’s selection committee, confirmed the news in addition to stating that Shreyas Iyer will continue to lead the team.
“Yes, he will…we’ll pick the team on October 10. Rohit will play for us in one or two games. The team will be led by Shreyas Iyer, who captained Mumbai in their last two games in the league stage,” Agarkar was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
Mumbai coach Vinayak Samant was also delighted with Rohit’s inclusion, saying:
“It’s good to have a high-class international player like Rohit. He’s an ODI specialist, and will make a huge difference to the team.”
Mumbai stormed into the quarterfinal after topping their group. The domestic giants won six out of their eight games in the league stage. However, they should guard against complacency against high-flying Bihar who capped a successful return from an 18-year exile by thrashing Mizoram and qualify for the knockout stage.
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Mumbai will take on Bihar on October 14. A win in this game will see them playing the semifinal on October 17. With the series against West Indies set to get underway on October 21, Rohit Sharma can well play the semifinal too.