IPL 2019: Rohit Sharma to open for Mumbai Indians in all games

Addressing a presser along with bowling coach Zaheer Khan, Rohit stated that he will be opening in all games this season

It was a brutal season for the Mumbai Indians in 2018 as they went through a terrible downfall, ultimately losing the ‘defending champions’ tag. They tasted victory after 4 consecutive losses after which their journey remained pretty inconsistent. Out of 14 games, they lost 8 and pocketed victory in six, ending up the tournament at the fifth spot.

But this year, the team looks pretty confident with a new set of players and support staff members. And ahead of their first game on March 24, skipper Rohit Sharma has made a major announcement on Tuesday.

Addressing a presser along with bowling coach Zaheer Khan, Rohit stated that he will be opening in all games this season. Last year, he mostly came to bat at No 4 while the opening slot was comprised of Surya Kumar Yadava and Evin Lewis.

“In past, I have batted in the middle order and I’ve opened also in a few games. Wherever the team requires me to bat, I have to bat in that position to make sure we get the right team composition. But this year, I will open the batting in all games and that is for sure,” said Rohit.

“Keeping in my mind that this is where I bat when I play for India. I have gotten a lot of success of late opening the batting and the team do understand that. Going by the current team composition, which is comprised of some experienced players in the middle order, it allows me batting top of the order,” he added.

Rohit also spoke about the workload management of those Indian cricketers who would be boarding the flight to England for the World Cup. He said, “I've spoken to the boys myself in the Indian team, who are now playing with us - they all are eager to play and maintain the same intensity.”

“We've been on the road for the past couple of years. You have to listen to your body. If it needs rest, I'll take rest. We're here for the biggest league in the world. So we know our priorities,” he added.

The three-time title winners will begin their campaign on March 24 against Delhi Capitals at their home ground, Wankhede Stadium.