IPL 2017: Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, 5 factors of winning

#5 Rohit Sharma to open the innings for MI

Rohit found form in the last game and needs to capitalize on it by opening the innings

The biggest cause of concern for MI this season has been the underperforming skipper Rohit Sharma. He had scores of 3, 2, 4 and 0 in the first 4 games. He batted at number 4 and 3 and failed to get going at the start of his innings.

He came to the fore finally with an unbeaten 40 off 29 against GL in the last game. There too, he batted at number 4 but there has been a huge debate about his batting position and most feel that he should bat up the order.

The Mumbaikar is by far the best batsman in the side and hence he needs to face the most number of deliveries in an innings. And that’s possible only if he opens the innings.

His form is pretty vital for MI’s chances this year. MI have had a good season so far but without much contribution from the skipper. It has much to do with performances of other batsmen who have stood out.

But that might not happen every time and failures from other players are bound to happen at some stage. It is about time that he bats up the order. His record as an opener is fantastic and the revival of his international career also happened since he started opening.

Additionally. the combination of Parthiv and Buttler haven’t provided the best of starts and the Englishman is better off batting lower down the order where he can use his lusty blows to finish the innings.