Indian Premier League was last played in the United Aram Emirates in 2014. Mumbai Indians were the side that put up a dismissal performance during that edition. Captain Rohit Sharma believes the same poor past record in the UAE will not stop them to win the 13th edition of IPL which is set to begin from September 19th.
Local general elections in 2014 led to shifting of the tournament for the initial round of matches. And the memories of that edition will definitely come on to haunt the Mumbai Indians. In 2014, Mumbai Indians came as the defending champions but lost all opening 5 fixtures played over there. This remains a poor record from a title defending side in the IPL.
The Comment From The Mumbai Indians’ Skipper
However, Rohit Sharma is keen to get started with the business. He wants to claim that his side have left the past behind to lift the title thrice thereafter. Talking over a video conference, Sharma said MI has moved on from those events. That is something which happened six years ago will play no role in the current edition. The fact that in spite of a poor start in 2014, the team managed to make it to the play-offs. A winning mindset indeed.
“We have only 2-3 players from that squad. I am not too fussed about it. Yes, we did not have a great experience (in 2014). But the team is completely different now, the thought process and everything are different.”
What Rohit Sharma Further Went On To Add?
“We are talking about six years, it is a lot of time and I think we did well after coming back from the UAE to India. As I said, understanding the conditions and the pitches here will be very, very crucial and we are giving a lot of thought and emphasis on that.”
“Eventually, the pitches here are going to play a huge part, to understand that and adapt quickly and play to your potential and to play according to what has been asked of is very very crucial.
“I think the past performances will not play any part, this time around as I said it is only two-three players who were part of that squad. Myself, Pollard and Bumrah, he played only one game that year, besides both of us, none of these guys was part of the 2014 squad.
What He Concluded By Saying?
“The team is different, the thought process is different, the staff is different and we are looking forward to a great IPL this year. We want to put out a great performance, we want to start well, so focus and the planning has been on that,” said Rohit Sharma.
Mumbai Indian begin the 13th edition of the IPL against Chennai Super Kings. Another title contenders in the race, CSK have some problems of their own. Some stars will be missing the competition due to personal reasons.
They still carry a challenging squad with MS Dhoni leading the yellow brigade. Mumbai have a perfect balance in batting and bowling end. While Sharma takes the stem of hitting runs, Jasprit Bumrah will be in to take crucial wickets. The clash has always been a treat to watch. Some great IPL finals have been played them. Everyone is braced for the tournament to start on Saturday.
