Mumbai Indians are the defending champions of the IPL and will be looking forward to retaining the trophy this year as well. Lasith Malinga was the player who played a crucial role in helping the side win the trophy last year. Due to some personal reasons, the bowler will not be joining the MI squad this year. He is also the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 170 wickets to his name.
“I don’t think it is easy to come and fill his boots. He has been a match-winner for Mumbai. I have said it many times, whenever we sort of finding ourselves in trouble, Malinga was the one to bail us out from that,” Rohit said in a pre-season online press conference.”His experience will be missed, what he did with MI is unbelievable and it is unfortunate that he is not a part of the team this year.
Skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Mahela Jayawardene were the ones who spoke on the online press conference. The skipper also added that he will continue to open the batting. “I opened the entire tournament last year and I will continue to do that. Again I keep all the options open, whatever the team wants, happy to do that. “Even when I play for India, a message from my side to the management has always been the same ‘do not close any doors’ keep all the options open and I will do the same here as well,” he said.
Rohit Sharma led the Indian side for the Asan Cup in 2019 in the absence of Virat Kohli which was played in the UAE. “…the first game that we played and the finals that we played, there was a lot of difference in how the pitch was behaving. So we certainly expect the same, as it is going to be a long tournament. The slowness of the pitch will be a big factor,” he said. Mumbai Indians will play the opening match of IPL 2020 against Chennai Super Kings tomorrow I.e. 19th September in Dubai. The IPL is shifted out of India and will for the first time be completely played in the emirates.
