Rohit Sharma will lead the MI team against CSK in IPL 2020 opener on September 19.
The defending champions Mumbai Indians will be looking forward to winning their fifth IPL title when they compete in the IPL 2020. The tides turned for the Mumbai-based franchise when Rohit Sharma took over as captain in 2013 and he has gone on to win the most IPL trophies in the last 7 years.
Sharma's contribution as a captain has been better than as a batsman for the Mumbai Indians. However, that does not belittle his threat with the bat in IPL 13. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the Mumbaikar will be the tournament protector for MI in the UAE.
Chopra said on his YouTube channel, "I am going for Rohit Sharma to be Mumbai Indians' tournament protector. Because if Rohit Sharma opens the batting for MI, I have no doubt that he will do well. If he scores around 500 runs in IPL 2020, he can surely perform the role of tournament protector to perfection."
"Last year when MI had won the IPL, five players had scored above 400 runs from their squad. That is exactly what they need this year too," he went on to add.
IPL 2020: WATCH - MI captain Rohit Sharma annihilates bowlers during training in Abu Dhabi
Chopra also spoke about the other openers in MI's arsenal. He believes that Chris Lynn's recent form is a threat to the MI side and an injury to Rohit Sharma will be a major concern. He also opined that Ishan Kishan can replace Quinton de Kock is the Proteas player is out of form.
He said, "From an individual's perspective, I feel an injury to Rohit Sharma will be a real threat for the Mumbai Indians. Because there is no one around him who has a bank of runs. Chris Lynn's form will also be a threat."
"If Quinton de Kock's form is not good, then MI have Ishan Kishan to keep wickets. But even Lynn's form has been bad of late as seen in the CPL. Thus it is a bit of a threat," Chopra believes.