'I let myself down at the start of the tournament. That’s not the standard I have set for myself,' says the Mumbai Indians skipper.
Man of the Match Nitish Rana might have guided Mumbai Indians to their fourth straight victory on Sunday, but all the questions at the post-match media conference were pointed at Rohit Sharma’s form with the bat.
The hosts chased down Gujarat Lions’ total of 176 with relative ease at a packed Wankhede Stadium. Naturally, the MI skipper looked a relieved man as he walked in to speak with journalists at the end of the game
And why wouldn’t he be. Not only did his team solidify its position at the top of the table, he too finally got amongst the runs.
“Yes, it’s good to get some runs. I let myself down at the start of the tournament. That’s not the standard I have set for myself,” said Rohit. “Nevertheless, everything is good as long as we win.”
The 29-year-old was candid when asked if he analysed what was going wrong with his batting. “I was just making a simple mistake,” said Rohit with a smile on his face. “We have been taught to play the ball with the spin, and that is exactly what I was doing.
“The deliveries that I got out to, however, spun the other way. These guys were bowling googlys. One isn’t supposed to play the first ball against the spin. But I guess that’s what I should’ve done.”
Critics reckon that the reason for Rohit’s poor run so far is the fact that he’s batting in the middle order. Was he at all tempted to open the innings?
“I would love to open,” said Rohit. “Being a captain, however, you’ve got to think from the team’s perspective. Me batting in the middle-order gives the team the much-needed balance.
“Last year we struggled to finish games, so I thought it’s better if I can help the team in that aspect. Having said that, I’m open to playing any role the team wants me to play in the future. I’m not closing any options as of now,” he added.
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 "IPL 2017, IPL 10, Indian Premier League (IPL), Rohit Sharma, Nitish Rana, Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Lions (GL), Cricket, Web")
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