MI coach Mahela Jayawardene has said that the team wants Rohit Sharma to continue his high-intent approach after the opener roared back into form during the win over CSK. Rohit played a smart innings to help Mumbai secure a thumping 9-wicket win over Chennai in the IPL El Clasico on Sunday, April 20 after a poor run of form during the season.
Rohit scored 76 off 45 balls as he took on the bowlers with his aggressive approach, which the Indian opener has used in white-ball cricket over the past few years. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Jayawardene said that Rohit understands batting with a high-tempo but at the same time he knows to read the situation well.
The MI coach pointed out how the opener realised not to take on R Ashwin when he came on and made the right choices. Jayawardene said that Mumbai want Rohit to take control of games as he has batters who will play around him.
“Yeah, he’s been playing with that tempo for a while. He understands it. But at the same time, he reads the situation well. Like today, when Ashwin came on, he took a little time, didn’t try to take on the long boundary immediately. That’s what experienced players do—they make good decisions. He’ll still play with that tempo, and we encourage that. He’s a damn good player, and we want him to take control. There are others who will bat around him and support that style too,” said Jayawardene.
