There have been times when Rohit Sharma has stepped down from his preferred starting spot to add stability to the Mumbai Indians’ middle order, but the IM captain hinted that he will start as a starter when the 2020 IPL begins with the defending champions facing CSK. in the first tournament on September 19. With that said, Rohit mentioned that he will keep options open when it comes to his batting position.
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Rohit, who started throughout the last edition, said he is ready to hit anywhere according to the demands of the team’s management.
“I think I opened the entire tournament last year and will continue to do so even this year,” Rohit said in response to a question from the Hindustan Times during a virtual press conference hosted by the franchise on Thursday.
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Rohit, whose career took an upward turn when he began to open batting regularly for India in limited overs cricket, said he enjoys hitting on top.
Rohit Sharma numbers in various batting positions. (Sportz interactive)
“I keep all options open, whatever the team wants, I’m happy to do it. I enjoy hitting at the top of the order, I’ve been doing it for a while, I really enjoy it. Even when I play for India, the message from me to management is don’t close the doors, keep all options open, I’ll do it here too, ”he said.
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In the 2017 and 2018 editions of the IPL, Rohit opened only twice in 30 innings. The move didn’t pan out as the dynamic right-hander scored just 333 runs averaging 23.78 in 2017, when he didn’t start the entire tournament, and 286 runs averaging 23.83. These two IPL seasons have been Rohit’s worst in terms of runs, average and strike rate.
Rohit’s numbers improved in the last edition when he decided to return to the top, scoring 405 runs with an average of 28.92.
Last year, Rohit’s opening partner was South African hitter and goalkeeper Quinton de Kock. While MI has beefed up their squad with the addition of Australia starter Chris Lynn and they also have Ishan Kishan, who has achieved much success at the top of the order, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardena said they will remain at the top of the order. Rohit-de Kock combination at the beginning.
“Having options in the team is always great. Lynn is obviously a great addition. Quinton has been phenomenal for us, his combination with Rohit has really worked. So why fix something when it ain’t broke? So we will seek to continue that, ”Jayawardene said.
“But having Lynny as an option gives us flexibility. We try to add more value to the team so that we are not predictable. But Quinton and Ro have definitely been a great combination for us. “
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