Spotlight on Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma, who needs runs under his belt as table-toppers face a young Delhi Daredevils side at the Feroz Shah Kotla tonight
Rohit Sharma
New Delhi: Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma has still not hit top form, though of late he has shown glimpses of his former self. With the team assured of a place in the play offs of IPL-10, tonight's clash against a resurgent Delhi Daredevils will be an opportunity for Rohit and his teammates to get into top gear as they approach the business end of the tournament.
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The way the last two matches at the Feroz Shah Kotla have panned, with a young Delhi team outscoring both holders Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Lions, the match will be an ideal opportunity for Mumbai Indians to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
Rohit key to MI
It is imperative for Rohit to get runs under his belt as he is the one who can make the difference with MI looking to bag their third IPL crown (they won in 2013 and 2015). Rohit had a long layoff due to injury before the IPL. Though he is fully fit, that authoritativeness in his batting is missing. With the Kotla pitch full of runs and small boundaries to assist batsmen, it is the right time for him to step on the gas. His performance will also auger well for India in their attempt to defend the Champions Trophy crown in the UK next month. There is no doubt the way Daredevils' highly talented Rishabh Pant has hogged the limelight with his clean hitting in the last two games, he will be the centre of attraction once again. But there is going to be a battle within a battle. There is another Delhi lad, who is also a left-hander and bats quite like Pant, but plays for Mumbai Indians. Nitish Rana has shown ample promise in the IPL so far, being the top-scorer for Mumbai Indians with 312 runs from 10 innings. He has time and again given momentum to the team, be it while setting a target or chasing one.
DD's young army
If Daredevils have emerging youngsters in Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, Shreyas Iyer and Pant, Mumbai Indians have their own young talent in the Pandya brothers -- Hardik and Krunal -- and Jasprit Bumrah, besides Rana. With such an array of young talent on show, another rip-roaring encounter seems in store at the Kotla tonight. Besides a platform for the youngsters to showcase their talent, it is also an opportunity for Daredevils to continue their winning streak and remain in the race for a berth in the play offs.
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