Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers don't only have to worry about Mumbai Indians' Tendulkar. There's the young and hungry Sharma too!
Royal Challengers Bangaloreu00a0bowlers don't only have to worry about Mumbai Indians' Tendulkar. There's the young and hungry Sharma too!
Zaheer Khan will be itching to have a go at Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians after the just-concluded World Cup.
|
| Rohit Sharma works away to his unbeaten 27 off 30 balls against Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League on Sunday. pic/afp |
However, it would be a risk if Royal Challengers Bangalore considers Rohit Sharma as the weak link in the Mumbai Indians batting line-up when they meet in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium today.
Rohit may not have played a stellar role in Mumbai Indians' victory over Delhi Daredevils on Sunday, but his unbeaten 27 off 30 balls that included three fours on a tough Feroz Shah Kotla wicket, earned him his skipper's praise.
Sachin praise"Before the toss, we thought 135-140 on this wicket was a good score. But the batsmen, especially Rohit, played well. He is a gifted player. Today, we saw how he played shots on a difficult track," said Tendulkar.
Sharma's first coach Dinesh Lad reckoned it would be difficult to get past the slimmer looking-Sharma, who looks hungry for success and determined to get his place back in the Indian team. "There is no doubt that Zaheer is bowling at his best, but it would be difficult to beat Rohit. If one noticed, Zaheer got wickets in when batsmen played across the line in the World Cup. Rohit is playing straighter than ever. So, it would be difficult to get his wicket," Lad told MiD DAY yesterday. "Also, there are only four overs per bowler. So, Sachin Tendulkar would negate most of Zaheer's challenge in the beginning. I am sure batsmen would play him cautiously," he added.u00a0
The way Rohit played in the Mumbai Indians' opening game on Sunday prompted Lad to say 'he's back' in emphatic fashion. "The two fours were very clinical. That's how my Rohit plays. I always emphasise on playing straight and I am happy he is executing it. Not being in the World Cup team was a huge setback for him. He has worked very hard since that snub. I can confidently say that he will again earn his place in the Indian team and also play the next World Cup," said Lad.
The coach also believes Mumbai Indians is an ideal platform for Rohit to stage his comeback. "He admires Sachin a lot. So, being in his company would obviously help. He will learn a lot about Sachin's work ethic, discipline and dedication. It is an ideal place for Rohit," Lad concluded.
