IPL 2020: 4 players who can lead Mumbai Indians in Rohit Sharma’s absence

Rohit Sharma, who was bought by Mumbai Indians in 2011, played 133 consecutive IPL matches since joining the franchise in season four before being ruled out of the XI during a league encounter against Kings XI Punjab at the Wankhede Stadium last year. It was only the second instance of Rohit missing an IPL game- the first one was during his stint with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers back in season one.

The dashing opener who suffered an injury a day before the game against the Mohali-based outfit was rested by the team management as a precautionary measure and was replaced another Mumbaikar in the playing XI- Siddesh Lad who was making his IPL debut. The 32-year-old who amassed 405 runs at a strike-rate of 128.57 in 15 matches last season led his side to a record fourth IPL title as they defeated arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in a high-octane final by just one run.

It remains to be seen whether Rohit who was ruled out of the ODIs and Tests against New Zealand due to a calf injury would return for the ODIs against South Africa or delay his much-awaited comeback until the IPL. Nevertheless, he needs to take good care of himself during the grueling IPL season, especially with the 2020 T20 World Cup beckoning.

On that note, let us look at four players who can lead Mumbai Indians if Rohit Sharma is rested or becomes unavailable for selection due to an injury this season.

4) Quinton de Kock

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who was Rohit Sharma’s opening partner in 2019 IPL, had a sensational stint with the four-time winners playing all 16 matches throughout the season smashing 529 runs at a strike-rate of 132.91 that include four half-centuries with his highest score being 81. He was equally good behind the stumps having taken 17 catches apart from effecting two stumpings.

The former Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore player is one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world currently given his effective glovework behind the stumps and his explosive batting at the top-of-the-order across all formats of the game.

Recently, De Kock, who took over as South Africa’s ODI captain against England, performed exceptionally well in his very first game as a skipper scoring a record-breaking century. He is all set to take over as the full-time skipper of the Proteas with Faf du Plessis stepping down as a captain from the Tests and T20Is as well. Hence, we might expect the new Protea captain to don the captaincy role in Rohit’s absence at 2020 IPL.