The prolific and electrifying batsman, Rohit Sharma, is all set to open all the matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the thirteenth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The player already has an experience of opening all matches of the entire tournament as he occupied the post back in 2019.
His side, which is the most successful IPL side, will be seen in the staminate action against Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on 19th September.
Rohit Sharma confirms to play as an opener for MI: IPL 2020
“I opened the entire tournament last year and I will continue to do that. I will keep all options open as per team needs,” the 33-year-old said.
Read: Steve Smith likely to play the opening game for Rajasthan Royals
However, Sunil Gavaskar, an ex-Indian cricketer, believes that lacking in the middle-over for the batsman and the shortage of professional spinners can be two weaknesses of Sharma’s franchise.
“Yes, you can say that because they do not have experienced spinners that other sides have,” Sunil Gavaskar told Sports Tak.
“The other thing that can be a weakness is middle order. They will have to think who will bat at No.4 and No.5 position. If Quinton de Kock plays, then he will open with either Rohit Sharma or Suryakumar Yadav. Ishan Kishan might come in at No.4, he can also open the innings. Kieron Pollard can come in at No.5. Maybe Hardik Pandya can be promoted to No.4. But if that doesn’t happen then who will play at No.4?” added the prolific veteran batsman.
Complete squad, player’s role, and auction price:
Mumbai Indians:
| Player | Role | Price |
| Rohit Sharma (R) | Batsman | 15 crore |
| Anmolpreet Singh (R) | Batsman | 80 lakhs |
| Ankul Roy (R) | Batsman | 20 lakhs |
| Sherfane Rutherford (R) | Batsman | 2 crore |
| Suryakumar Yadav (R) | Batsman | 3.20 crore |
| Chris Lynn | Batsman | 2 crore |
| Saurabh Tiwary | Batsman | 50 lakhs |
| Aditya Tare (R) | Wicket Keeper | 20 lakhs |
| Ishan Kishan (R) | Wicket Keeper | 6.20 crore |
| Quinton de Kock (R) | Wicket Keeper | 2.80 crore |
| Hardik Pandya (R) | All-Rounder | 11 crore |
| Kieron Pollard (R) | All-Rounder | 5.40 crore |
| Krunal Pandya (R) | All-Rounder | 8.80 crore |
| Rahul Chahar (R) | All-Rounder | 1.90 crore |
| Digvijay Deshmukh | All-Rounder | 20 lakhs |
| Prince Balwant Rai Singh | All-Rounder | 20 lakhs |
| Dhawal Kulkarni (R) | Bowler | 75 lakhs |
| Jasprit Bumrah (R) | Bowler | 7 crore |
| Jayant Yadav (R) | Bowler | 50 lakhs |
| Lasith Malinga (R) | Bowler | 2 crore |
| Mitchell McClenaghan (R) | Bowler | 1 crore |
| Trent Boult (R) | Bowler | 3.20 crore |
| Nathan Coulter-Nile | Bowler | 8 crore |
| Mohsin Khan | Bowler | 20 lakhs |
