17 April,2015 07:08 AM IST | | Harit N Joshi
Although Harbhajan Singh stated that Mumbai Indians rely heavily on their skipper Rohit Sharma to fire to win a match, the Mumbaikar does not believe in having a one-man army
Rohit Sharma with coach Ricky Ponting at Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK
Although Harbhajan Singh stated that Mumbai Indians rely heavily on their skipper Rohit Sharma to fire to win a match, the Mumbaikar does not believe in having a one-man army.
Rohit Sharma with coach Ricky Ponting at Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK
Sharma felt all 11 players have to contribute for Mumbai Indians to open their win account in the Indian Premier League-8 today against two-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium.
"No team in the world ever relies only on just one individual. It's the 11 players who have to go out on the park and deliver. It is just not about one player," MI skipper told reporters on the eve of their big-ticket clash yesterday.
Rohit cited the example of Mumbai Indians' opening clash against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders which they lost by seven wickets despite the skipper scoring a brilliant, unbeaten 98.
"It doesn't matter if I score a hundred, but we fail to take wickets (it's no use). Like what happened in Kolkata. Contributions have to be from all the players," said Rohit.
He also dismissed concerns over his own form. Rohit failed to open his account against Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals after his 98 in the opening clash.
He however stressed on the importance of batting well in the first six overs as that is where Mumbai Indians are losing the plot.
"Batting well in the first six overs in crucial. Despite that (losing wickets in the first six overs), we have scored 160-plus in all the three matches. We have addressed this issue," he said.
In the quest to find right balance Rohit also demoted himself from the opening position to No 4 in the last match against Rajasthan Royals at Ahmedabad.
"It doesn't matter where I bat as far as we get the combination and the team balance right. You have to be flexible in this format. So, as of now, I feel it is good for me to bat at No 4," he said.
