IPL 2017: Mumbai have edge over Pune in opener, says Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma during a practice session at Wankhede Staduim on Tuesday PicBipin KokatePune Traditionally known as slow starters Mumbai Indians go into their IPL2017 opener against Rising Pune Supergiant at the Maharashtra Cricket Association MCA stadium today in the hope of changing that tagBut lack of match practice for some of their top players doesnt help their cause Skipper Rohit Sharma has had just two competitive games since October 2016 Mitchell Johnson mdash retired from international cricket mdash last played a competitive game in January while Lasith Malinga has just returned from a long injury layoffCaribbean flavourTheir big guns from the Caribbeans mdash Kieron Pollard and Lendl Simmons have joined the team only on the eve of their first gameHowever MI skipper Rohit chose to downplay those concerns Its true that some of us havent had a lot of game time in the middle But thats 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 seasonopener yesterdayPollard 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 Its only a few of us who havent had game time recently he addedMumbai Indians will miss their deathovers specialist Malinga for todays 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 thats 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 saidNo fixed batting slot There has been some speculation about Rohits batting slot and the Mumbai Indians skipper chose to keep the oppositions guessingYou 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 explainedThe last time these two teams played here Mumbai Rohit smashing a halfcentury The Mumbai Indians team management will be hoping for a repeat to get their campaign off to a good start