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.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-339291" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Quinton-de-Kock-1.jpg" alt="Quinton de Kock" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-339291" class="wp-caption-text">Quinton de Kock. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

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.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332676" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Lynn-4.jpg" alt="Chris Lynn" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332676" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Lynn. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Another opener who might be a good option to lead Mumbai in Hitman’s absence is new recruit, Chris Lynn. Captaincy is nothing new for the Australian batsman who has led Brisbane Heat in the most number of Big Bash League matches so far. The season two champion though did not have a memorable 2019-20 BBL as they finished seventh among eight teams with 12 points.

Given his explosive batting, Lynn was expected to fetch a lucrative contract at the December 19th auction held at Kolkata, but that wasn’t the case. The 29-year-old who was exceptional for Kolkata Knight Riders in the past few seasons scoring heavily at the top-of-the-order was surprisingly bought at his base price of INR 2 crore at 2020 IPL auction.

Though there will be a tough fight between Quinton de Kock and Chris Lynn for the opener’s slot, the Aussie will be looking to continue his good run for Mumbai if he gets a nod. And most importantly, don’t be surprised if the Brisbane-born batsman dons the captaincy role in Rohit Sharma’s absence from the XI during the upcoming edition of IPL!

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-333081" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga-1.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-333081" class="wp-caption-text">Lasith Malinga. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

The veteran pacer, who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the history of the lucrative league with 170 scalps to his name in 122 matches, as usually played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ record fourth IPL title win last year by picking up 16 wickets throughout season twelve for Rohit Sharma’s men with his best figures being 4/31.

The experienced Malinga led Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series against India earlier last month where his side suffered a 0-2 defeat against Virat Kohli’s men. One just cannot imagine Mumbai’s immense IPL success without Lasith Malinga’s breath-taking efforts over the years. Such has been the 36-year-old’s impact at Mumbai Indians.

Though Malinga managed a solitary wicket in the 2019 IPL final, it was the one which helped Mumbai Indians to be crowned the champions. Given his experience and connect with the vociferous and passionate Mumbai Indians fans, Malinga might be an ideal candidate to replace if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for selection.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331496" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-4.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331496" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo: Sandeep Mahankal/IANS)</figcaption>

The current West Indies limited-overs skipper is the front-runner to replace Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians skipper in case the Indian opener misses out due to an injury. In fact, it was Pollard who led the Mumbai Indians last season when Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the XI due to an injury against Kings XI Punjab in a crucial league encounter at home.

The dashing all-rounder played a captain’s knock (83 off just 31 balls) to seal the game for his side as they chased down the target of 198 in the very last ball of that high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium. Under Pollard, the West Indies performed well during their limited-overs tour of India in December last year.

Despite giving a tough fight, the Men from the Caribbean lost both ODI as well as the T20I series by a 1-2 margin. In fact, captaincy brought out the best from the 32-year-old as he amassed 105 runs in two T20I innings and a scintillating 74* in the series decider at Cuttack despite coming lower down the order. Expect him to continue his good run if he takes over the captaincy in Rohit’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.
<h3>4) Quinton de Kock</h3>
<figure id="attachment_339291" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-339291" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-339291" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Quinton-de-Kock-1.jpg" alt="Quinton de Kock" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-339291" class="wp-caption-text">Quinton de Kock. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
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.
<h3>3) Chris Lynn</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332676" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332676" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-332676" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Lynn-4.jpg" alt="Chris Lynn" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332676" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Lynn. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Another opener who might be a good option to lead Mumbai in Hitman’s absence is new recruit, Chris Lynn. Captaincy is nothing new for the Australian batsman who has led Brisbane Heat in the most number of Big Bash League matches so far. The season two champion though did not have a memorable 2019-20 BBL as they finished seventh among eight teams with 12 points.
Given his explosive batting, Lynn was expected to fetch a lucrative contract at the December 19th auction held at Kolkata, but that wasn’t the case. The 29-year-old who was exceptional for Kolkata Knight Riders in the past few seasons scoring heavily at the top-of-the-order was surprisingly bought at his base price of INR 2 crore at 2020 IPL auction.
Though there will be a tough fight between Quinton de Kock and Chris Lynn for the opener’s slot, the Aussie will be looking to continue his good run for Mumbai if he gets a nod. And most importantly, don’t be surprised if the Brisbane-born batsman dons the captaincy role in Rohit Sharma’s absence from the XI during the upcoming edition of IPL!
<h3>2) Lasith Malinga</h3>
<figure id="attachment_333081" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-333081" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-333081" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga-1.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-333081" class="wp-caption-text">Lasith Malinga. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The veteran pacer, who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the history of the lucrative league with 170 scalps to his name in 122 matches, as usually played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ record fourth IPL title win last year by picking up 16 wickets throughout season twelve for Rohit Sharma’s men with his best figures being 4/31.
The experienced Malinga led Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series against India earlier last month where his side suffered a 0-2 defeat against Virat Kohli’s men. One just cannot imagine Mumbai’s immense IPL success without Lasith Malinga’s breath-taking efforts over the years. Such has been the 36-year-old’s impact at Mumbai Indians.
Though Malinga managed a solitary wicket in the 2019 IPL final, it was the one which helped Mumbai Indians to be crowned the champions. Given his experience and connect with the vociferous and passionate Mumbai Indians fans, Malinga might be an ideal candidate to replace if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for selection.
<h3>1) Kieron Pollard</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331496" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331496" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-331496" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-4.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331496" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo: Sandeep Mahankal/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The current West Indies limited-overs skipper is the front-runner to replace Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians skipper in case the Indian opener misses out due to an injury. In fact, it was Pollard who led the Mumbai Indians last season when Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the XI due to an injury against Kings XI Punjab in a crucial league encounter at home.
The dashing all-rounder played a captain’s knock (83 off just 31 balls) to seal the game for his side as they chased down the target of 198 in the very last ball of that high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium. Under Pollard, the West Indies performed well during their limited-overs tour of India in December last year.
Despite giving a tough fight, the Men from the Caribbean lost both ODI as well as the T20I series by a 1-2 margin. In fact, captaincy brought out the best from the 32-year-old as he amassed 105 runs in two T20I innings and a scintillating 74* in the series decider at Cuttack despite coming lower down the order. Expect him to continue his good run if he takes over the captaincy in Rohit’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.
<h3>4) Quinton de Kock</h3>
<figure id="attachment_339291" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-339291" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-339291" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Quinton-de-Kock-1.jpg" alt="Quinton de Kock" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-339291" class="wp-caption-text">Quinton de Kock. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
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.
<h3>3) Chris Lynn</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332676" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332676" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332676" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Lynn-4.jpg" alt="Chris Lynn" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332676" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Lynn. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Another opener who might be a good option to lead Mumbai in Hitman’s absence is new recruit, Chris Lynn. Captaincy is nothing new for the Australian batsman who has led Brisbane Heat in the most number of Big Bash League matches so far. The season two champion though did not have a memorable 2019-20 BBL as they finished seventh among eight teams with 12 points.
Given his explosive batting, Lynn was expected to fetch a lucrative contract at the December 19th auction held at Kolkata, but that wasn’t the case. The 29-year-old who was exceptional for Kolkata Knight Riders in the past few seasons scoring heavily at the top-of-the-order was surprisingly bought at his base price of INR 2 crore at 2020 IPL auction.
Though there will be a tough fight between Quinton de Kock and Chris Lynn for the opener’s slot, the Aussie will be looking to continue his good run for Mumbai if he gets a nod. And most importantly, don’t be surprised if the Brisbane-born batsman dons the captaincy role in Rohit Sharma’s absence from the XI during the upcoming edition of IPL!
<h3>2) Lasith Malinga</h3>
<figure id="attachment_333081" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-333081" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-333081" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga-1.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-333081" class="wp-caption-text">Lasith Malinga. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The veteran pacer, who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the history of the lucrative league with 170 scalps to his name in 122 matches, as usually played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ record fourth IPL title win last year by picking up 16 wickets throughout season twelve for Rohit Sharma’s men with his best figures being 4/31.
The experienced Malinga led Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series against India earlier last month where his side suffered a 0-2 defeat against Virat Kohli’s men. One just cannot imagine Mumbai’s immense IPL success without Lasith Malinga’s breath-taking efforts over the years. Such has been the 36-year-old’s impact at Mumbai Indians.
Though Malinga managed a solitary wicket in the 2019 IPL final, it was the one which helped Mumbai Indians to be crowned the champions. Given his experience and connect with the vociferous and passionate Mumbai Indians fans, Malinga might be an ideal candidate to replace if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for selection.
<h3>1) Kieron Pollard</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331496" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331496" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331496" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-4.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331496" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo: Sandeep Mahankal/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The current West Indies limited-overs skipper is the front-runner to replace Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians skipper in case the Indian opener misses out due to an injury. In fact, it was Pollard who led the Mumbai Indians last season when Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the XI due to an injury against Kings XI Punjab in a crucial league encounter at home.
The dashing all-rounder played a captain’s knock (83 off just 31 balls) to seal the game for his side as they chased down the target of 198 in the very last ball of that high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium. Under Pollard, the West Indies performed well during their limited-overs tour of India in December last year.
Despite giving a tough fight, the Men from the Caribbean lost both ODI as well as the T20I series by a 1-2 margin. In fact, captaincy brought out the best from the 32-year-old as he amassed 105 runs in two T20I innings and a scintillating 74* in the series decider at Cuttack despite coming lower down the order. Expect him to continue his good run if he takes over the captaincy in Rohit’s absence.

Rohit needs to take good care of himself during the grueling IPL season, especially with the 2020 T20 World Cup beckoning.

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