The eleventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) started with a thrilling match between the rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK, which resulted in latter’s favor. Out of the four games played so far in this season, none of the home teams have lost the game barring the clash between Chennai and Mumbai. The MI skipper Rohit Sharma is confident that one defeat can’t make a negative impact on the team.
Sharma reckons that the team needs to bounce back in the matches to follow. He also defended his bowlers as he feels the team was very much in the game till the 17th over, but the pressure got the better of them in the defining moments. During a promotional event for Adidas’ latest arrival ‘AlphaBounce Beyond’, Rohit said, “We know it is not the end of the world and the Mumbai Indians have always lost the first game and won the title. I hope it is the same this year.”
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In the tournament opener against CSK, MI team management got worried when their key player Hardik Pandya, hurt his ankle in quest of a second run on the final ball of the first innings against Chennai in the tournament opener at Wankhede. As a result, Pandya had to be carried off the field. But, clearing all the rumors, Sharma clarified that Hardik he fit and fine and will surely play the next game against Hyderabad on April 12.
Talking about Pandya, MI captain said, “He’s looking good now. He twisted his ankle, but he bowled four overs. We have three days before the next match and I think he will be fine.” Despite the loss, MI unearthed a young talent in the leg-spinner Mayank Markande. The leggie was appreciated by the captain as Rohit said, “We just have to be supportive of this guy. He has got everything that he needs to be successful at the highest level.”
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Mayank was preferred before Rahul Chahar, in support of this move, Sharma said, “I played against him in the nets a few times. He has got great control over whatever he does, and so, I think going forward he will be a great weapon for us. He has got great skills.”
