IPL 2020: Rohit Sharma confirms opening the innings this season but ready to keep other options open

The Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma has cleared that he will be opening the innings for the team in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). There has been a lot of talk over his batting position over the last couple of seasons. Also, with multiple players available for the role, a few reckon that Rohit, being the best batsman in the line-up, should bat at three or four and take the game deep.

However, he hasn’t been overly successful at the top of the order over the last couple of seasons. Though MI won the tournament last year, Rohit Sharma could only score 405 runs in 15 matches at an average of 28.93 and strike-rate of 128.57 while opening the innings. This time around, even Chris Lynn is available to bat at the top but the Australian is unlikely to get more chances given the overseas players in the MI camp.

Two days ahead of the tournament opener against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rohit and the MI coach Mahela Jayawardene attended a virtual press conference. During the session, the former was asked the burning question of his batting position in the team and Rohit Sharma clarified his stance on the matter. However, he also added that he is open to making any changes as per the requirements of the team.

“I opened the entire tournament last year and I will continue to do that. I will keep all options open as per team needs,” the 33-year-old said.

Who apart from Rohit Sharma can open for MI?
While one thing is certain that Quinton de Kock will open the innings for MI, there has been a debate over his partner. For now, Rohit Sharma has cleared that he will be taking up the role but if not him, the other options available with the team are Lynn and Ishan Kishan.

Even Suryakumar Yadav has donned the role in the IPL 2018 and amassed a lot of runs. But he batted at three and four last year and it remains to be seen if he will be promoted again this year.