Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has singled out Rohit Sharma as the player to watch in the upcoming IPL 2024 clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
As two of the most successful teams in IPL history prepare to face off at the Wankhede Stadium, Chopra highlighted the significance of the match and the attention it brings to Rohit Sharma, especially considering his recent form.
“Mumbai has become like a juggernaut. Their batting style is at a different level. They are doing rocket batting. Since it is Mumbai-Chennai, the first player I am going to pick is Rohit Sharma. There is no doubt that he is in very good form. He is hitting at a strike rate of 200-odd and when he hits, he hits decently,” Chopra said.
Chopra also noted that while Ishan Kishan has been in good form as well, the focus in this match will primarily be on Rohit Sharma. Rohit has been in impressive form in IPL 2024, scoring 156 runs at a strike rate of 167.74 in five innings.
“He started slightly slowly in the last match, so Ishan Kishan said that he was there to manage. Ishan’s form is also good. So Ishan is there but I am going towards Rohit for a very simple reason – it’s the sort of match where there is more focus on Sharma ji’s son,” he added.
Akash Chopra talks about Suryakumar Yadav
Following Rohit Sharma, Chopra highlighted Suryakumar Yadav as another player to watch. Yadav’s explosive batting in the last match caught Chopra’s attention, and he believes Yadav will be crucial for Mumbai Indians, who have been aiming for high-scoring totals to compensate for their bowling.
“After that, Suryakumar Yadav. The focus will be on Bhau. He did rocket-like batting in the last match. I am looking towards Suryakumar Yadav as the second player because Mumbai have started to play with a philosophy that they will cover up for their bowling, which is looking slightly weak, by posting 225 to 230-run totals.”
Lastly, Chopra praised Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as a “lion” for Mumbai Indians. Bumrah, who has been exceptional in IPL 2024, is seen as a key player who can control the game and restrict opposition scores.
“I wanted to talk about Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma but this team has a lion named Jasprit Bumrah. He is roaring as well as hunting. He shrinks the match to a 16-over affair. Jasprit Bumrah is one guy who always stands in the middle. If Mumbai bowl first, he won’t let you reach the score you want to reach. If they bowl second, you will be able to hit everyone else but not him,” he concluded.
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