The veteran Indian opener, Rohit Sharma reckons that a captain needs to be selfless and that’s why he calls himself the “least important person” in the Mumbai Indians team, the most successful franchise in the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) history. The IPL 2020 is scheduled to commence on September 19 in the UAE even as the world continues its frenzied battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a recent chat with PTI, Rohit said, “I believe in a theory that when you are captain, you are the least important person. Others become more important in the larger scheme of things. It works differently for different leaders but as far as I am concerned, this theory works for me.”

The Indian vice-captain reckons that there is “enough time” before the IPL starts as it would be enough for them to regain their strength, stamina, and skills during the next month after the long lay-off. Having won an Asia Cup in Dubai in 2018, Rohit seems to have a great idea about the conditions in UAE. 

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Explaining the same, Rohit said, “We have lot of time in our hands…I will be taking it slow. I will work on getting back to the ground slowly because the temperature in Dubai is 40 degrees. It’s not easy. It’s the longest gap that I have ever had in my career without holding a bat. It will be a bit challenging. I feel physically more strong than ever because of the last four months.”

Asked about some of the youngsters Rohit Sharma is looking forward to seeing this year, the skipper clarified that he never found naming favorites and comparisons healthy.

The MI skipper said, “When I was a 20-year-old, trust me I never liked comparisons. It’s important that everyone is treated the same and then it’s purely up to them as to what they do with their careers and how they take it forward.”

Talking about time away from the game in a lockdown, Rohit explained that the forced break has helped him to reflect on his life outside the rigors of 22 yards.

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Sharma elaborated, “I probably understood the importance of family more than ever before. Through the year, through your playing career, they sacrifice so much for you, you are home for a short time and always on the road. It was the icing on the cake because my daughter (Samaira) is just growing up. The first step that she takes, the first words spoken. Spending so much time with her, playing with her, putting her to sleep, it was pure joy.”