Captain Rohit reckons Mumbai Indians' formidable pace attack comprising Johnson, Southee & McClenaghan will be a big plus against Pune tonight
Rohit Sharma
Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma during a practice session at Wankhede Staduim on Tuesday. Pic/Bipin Kokate
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Pune: Traditionally known as slow starters, Mumbai Indians go into their IPL-2017 opener against Rising Pune Supergiant at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) stadium today in the hope of changing that tag.
But lack of match practice for some of their top players doesn't help their cause. Skipper Rohit Sharma has had just two competitive games since October 2016; Mitchell Johnson — retired from international cricket — last played a competitive game in January, while Lasith Malinga has just returned from a long injury lay-off.
Caribbean flavour
Their big guns from the Caribbeans — Kieron Pollard and Lendl Simmons, have joined the team only on the eve of their first game.
However, MI skipper Rohit chose to downplay those concerns. "It's true that some of us haven't had a lot of game time in the middle. But that's why we started our preparation two weeks back, so it gives us an opportunity to get into the groove. We also had a couple of practice games in Mumbai," Rohit said on the eve of their season-opener yesterday.
Pollard ready to fire
"We also arrived here early, and have had couple of days of practice to get used to the conditions. Our domestic players have played a lot of cricket. Even Simmons and Pollard were part of the West Indies ODI squad that played Pakistan recently. It's only a few of us who haven't had game time recently," he added.
Mumbai Indians will miss their death-overs specialist Malinga for today's game, but have enough back up to make up for the Sri Lankan, who is away on international duty. "We have got the two Mitchells (Johnson and McClenaghan) and Tim Southee among international pacers. All three of them are in great shape. All three are different in what they do and that's where we have a slight advantage. It also gives me an opportunity to use them throughout the 20 overs nicely. I am sure whoever among them gets an opportunity will do well," Rohit said.
'No fixed batting slot'
There has been some speculation about Rohit's batting slot, and the Mumbai Indians skipper chose to keep the oppositions guessing.
"You will know on match day. I have to bat in a position that gives the right balance to the team and that will determine whether I bat as an opener or in the middle," he explained.
The last time these two teams played here, Mumbai Rohit smashing a half-century. The Mumbai Indians' team management will be hoping for a repeat to get their campaign off to a good start.
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