Image Credit- BCCI
Former Australia T20
captain Aaron Finch believes that Rohit Sharma would be able to play with more
freedom now that he is not leading the team, which will benefit the five-time
champion Mumbai Indians. This season, MI will be led by Hardik Pandya instead
of Rohit, who has won five IPL championships with the team.
“I think for Rohit, the challenge would be just walking out and opening
the batting as he’s done so many times for India and Mumbai over the years.
This might be a wipe off for his shoulders,” Finch said during Star
Sports’ Show Game Plan.
“When you are
captaining a team constantly, everywhere you go you are captain of the team.
You can get engrossed a lot in that, so now having the freedom to walk out and
bat will be beneficial for him personally and Mumbai Indians.”
With the arrival of
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, Finch thought that the two-time past champion
Kolkata Knight Riders, who had placed seventh in the previous tournament, would
be able to compete well this time around.
“I think KKR will improve on their last year (performance), they weren’t
at their best last year. But Shreyas (Iyer’s) injury cloud would be interesting
to see how much of an impact he has throughout the tournament,” said
Finch, who featured for as many as eight IPL teams, including the Kolkata
Knight Riders.
“When you add Mitchell Starc to any T20 team you are going to be better,
his ability with the new ball to swing it upfront will provide very valuable
wickets… and in the power play, which is so important for the game. And, his
death bowling is obviously exceptional as well.”