Mumbai Indians will bounce back despite loss to CSK, reckons skipper Rohit Sharma

The eleventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is up and running with each team has done with their first game of the season. Out of the four games played so far, all the matches have been won by the home team barring the clash between Chennai and Mumbai, that saw MI snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in an opening thriller.

The skipper Rohit Sharma was of the view that the defeat against the men in yellow won’t hamper the team’s confidence going ahead in the tournament. He reckons this as an aberration and believes the team to bounce back in the matches to follow. Sharma was seen defending his bowlers as he feels the team was very much in the game till the 17th over, but the pressure got the better of them in the defining moments.

“We know it is not the end of the world and the Mumbai Indians have always lost the first game and won the title. I hope it is the same this year, “he said at a promotional event for Adidas’ latest arrival ‘AlphaBounce Beyond’.

Hardik’s injury status

There were some worrying signs for Mumbai when their key player Hardik Pandya, hurt his ankle in quest of a second run in the first innings against Chennai in the tournament opener at Wankhede. As a result, Pandya had to be carried off the field. But, clearing all the rumors, Rohit said that the all-rounder will be available and fit for the next game against Hyderabad on April 12.

“He’s looking good now. He twisted his ankle, but he bowled four overs. We have three days before the next match and I think he will be fine, “he added.

Young prospect in Markande

The loss for Mumbai was accompanied by a huge positive in the form of young leg-spinner Mayank Markande. The leggie was appreciated by the captain and reckons, “We just have to be supportive of this guy. He has got everything that he needs to be successful at the highest level.”

Mayank was given an opportunity ahead of Rahul Chahar, in support of this move, Sharma said, “I played against him in the nets a few times. He has got great control over whatever he does, and so, I think going forward he will be a great weapon for us. He has got great skills.”

Talking about the No. 400 displayed on his and Dwayne Bravo’s jersey, Kieron Pollard said, “It is just something that Bravo and I came up with; he is the first bowler in T20 cricket to take 400 wickets, and I am the only player so far to play 400 matches.

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