Rohit Sharma illustrates how MS Dhoni’s absence: Mumbai Indians captain was vocal about the absence of his counterpart in MS Dhoni.
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Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma sounded contended after his team defeated Chennai Super Kings for the second time in IPL 2019. With seven wins in 11 matches, Mumbai have leapfrogged Delhi Capitals to reach No. 2 in the points table.
“I thought it was better to lose the toss since we wanted to chase as well. But we knew whether we bat first or bowl first, we’ll still have to play good cricket.
“We spoke about that at the start of the game, but it was a great effort by the boys since it’s not easy to come here and play. We had to scrap for every run and every wicket, can’t ask for much more,” Sharma was quoted as saying during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Rohit Sharma eulogizes Rahul Chahar
Having made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians this season, rookie leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has allured appreciations from every corner. Having dismissed nine batsmen in eight matches at an average of 21.44, an economy rate of 6.43 and a strike rate of 20, the 19-year old cricketer has been MI’s go-to spinner in IPL 2019.
“Rahul Chahar is a confident, young man. His approach is confident. His execution skills are very clear, so makes my job easier when I throw the ball at him. He knows what he needs to do and what the team expects from him. He’s got variations, he’s got skills. He’s an exciting talent not just for us, but for India as well,” Sharma eulogized his talented spinner who registered bowling figures of 4-0-21-0 tonight.
Top-scoring for MI with a fighting half-century, Sharma seems to have overcome his knack of wasting several starts in the season. Being asked about his Man of the Match 67 (48), Sharma claimed it to be a “satisfying” innings.
“Satisfying innings, mine. I was getting 30s and 40s but not getting half-centuries. At no point was I worried about my form because I was hitting the ball well. I knew the day will come, and I guess today was the day,” Sharma added.
“Massive boost that MSD wasn’t around”
One of the major reasons behind the hosts’ shambolic performance was them playing without their regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Having missed this match due to fever, the 37-year old cricketer’s absence was duly felt by Super Kings.
“It was a massive boost that MSD [MS Dhoni] wasn’t around. Because his presence does a lot for their team. When you don’t have Dhoni when they’re chasing the score, then it becomes difficult for them.
“I’m sure their presence was missed by CSK. But he was sick, it’s not in his control either. But as I said, coming here and winning here isn’t supposed to be easy,” Sharma expressed ease at playing against a sans Dhoni CSK.
