Fans witnessed a strange move by the Mumbai Indians management in the IPL 2023 encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. The full-time skipper Rohit Sharma was asked to come in as an impact player while Suryakumar Yadav was told to lead the team on the field. Rohit did not step on the field during MI’s bowling but then he came out to bat with Ishan Kishan.
"Will love to bowl first, the wicket looks dry. The ball comes on to the bat nicely later. Rohit is out, he has a stomach bug. Time to put up a good show. We are going with one change, Jansen comes in, rest all is same," Suryakumar stated at the time of the toss.
As an impact player, Rohit Sharma made 20 runs before he got out by Suyash Sharma. Post winning the game by 5 wickets, it was Surya who stood up for the post-match presentation ceremony.
According to the rule, the impact player can bat, bowl, and field but cannot lead the team. That is why Rohit could not lead the team since he was used as an impact player and as a result, Surya led the team on Sunday.
Yadav said at the presentation,"We had a chat in the dugout, we just had to carry the momentum from the previous game and the boys put on a show. I would have loved to finish the game but very happy with how things went. In the afternoon, I thought the wicket was a bit dry but the way the guys batted, it settled down in the evening. At Wankhede, 180-190 is quite chaseable and Ishan took us off to a great start. (On his form) I relaxed and had an easy walk to the wicket, took my time for the first 6-7 balls. And then I thought if I get my eye in I can take it forward."
Mumbai Indians have now registered two wins after losing the first two games in the IPL 2023.