Opener Rohit Sharma will struggle in England, opines Mohammad Azharuddin

Former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has come out with his own opinion on Rohit Sharma’s luck in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Azharuddin thinks that it will be difficult for Rohit to get used to opening again for India in the prestigious tournament.

This is probably because Rohit, the captain of the two-time champions Mumbai Indians, who are on the quest for their third trophy this season, has batted in the middle order for the team. Apart from two good innings, he has not been too impressive this year.

Azhar surprised to see Rohit come to bat in the middle for MI

“When you are an opening batsman, you should open. I always feel that the best players should play the first 20 overs. If your best batsmen are playing after 8-10 overs in T20s and after 30 overs in a 50-overs game, there’s no use. Rohit Sharma is a good player, and I was very surprised to see him bat at No. 3 or 4 or 5 (for MI),” Azharuddin was quoted as saying by DNA.

He also said not much time is left for the Champions Trophy and Sharma will have to get used to his opening slot as soon as possible, which will initially be difficult for him.

“He has to get used to the spot quickly. It’s going to be tough for him to straightaway go and open because the conditions are different and he is coming back from an injury. All these things will play on his mind.”

India have got it all to win the CT again

The former captain also had his say on India’s chances to defend the title they won in 2013. Azhar said that he will be disheartened if India do not win the Trophy and that they’ve got all that is needed to win it, best batters, best quicks and the best spinners as well.

“Azharuddin also spoke about India’s chances in the tournament. “I will be very disappointed if they don’t win the tournament. They’ve got the ammunition. We’ve got the best batting, the best fast bowlers, and we’ve also got the best spinners,” he said.