IPL 2018: Tinkering with the opening combination costs MI the most, says Shishir Hattangadi

Rohit Sharma should have opened for Mumbai, and it could have changed the MI's fortune in the IPL 2018, says Hattangadi.

Rohit Sharma reacts after MI beaten by Delhi on Sunday | IANS

Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians (MI) have been crushed by the Delhi Daredevils in their do-or-die contest of the final league match of the ongoing IPL 2018 on Sunday (20 May) in Delhi.

With the defeat, Mumbai’s hopes to play the final leg of the tournament have ended up, and many believe that Indian opener’s poor form is one of the reasons of their early ouster from the mega T20 event.

The right-hander has not seemed comfortable with his batting position throughout his IPL 2018 campaign, as he usually opens the inning for both India and MI, but this season he was seen playing at No.4 or No.5 and that’s really overshadowed his talent with the willow, and he couldn’t fire the runs.

Rohit, who is considered as one of the destructive White-ball batsmen across the globe, was seen totally out of touch while batting for MI, as the 31-year-old amassed only 286 runs in 14 matches this IPL 2018.

Meanwhile, former Mumbai skipper Shishir Hattangadi blamed batting position for Rohit’s terrible display with the bat in the IPL 2018. He also believes that MI’s premier all-rounder Kieron Pollard's poor display also hurt the defending champions this season.

Hattangadi told Mid-day on Sunday (20 May), “Rohit should have opened. There is no doubt about it. You need to have your best batsman play up in the order.”

He signed off by saying, “In a 120-ball game, I don't believe in protecting your best batsman. You need a settled opening pair. Look at most of the successful teams like Chennai or Sunrisers Hyderabad. They don't tinker with their opening combination.”

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 21 May, 2018

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