Ahead of the IPL 2024, renowned cricket commentator Aakash Chopra anticipates the Mumbai Indians duo, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma, to forge a formidable opening partnership.
Reflecting on their performances in IPL 2023, Kishan showcased promise, as he accumulated 454 runs in 15 innings with a respectable average of 30.27 and a strike rate of 142.76. Conversely, Rohit encountered a turbulent season, amassing 332 runs in 16 innings, where he averaged 20.75, with a strike rate of 132.80.
Chopra’s pre-season rankings position Yashasvi Jaiswal-Jos Buttler and Ruturaj Gaikwad-Devon Conway as the top two opening pairs for IPL 2024, with Kishan-Rohit securing the third spot. Despite Kishan’s omission from the recent BCCI central contracts, a stellar IPL campaign could propel him into contention for India’s T20 World Cup squad. However, the opening slots appear congested, presenting a challenge for his aspirations.
As the IPL season unfolds, eyes will be on Mumbai Indians’ opening duo to set the stage alight and stake their claim on theinternational platform.
“I want to move towards Mumbai now. Firstly, you have released Rohit Sharma from captaincy duties. When we talk about a top-class player like Rohit Sharma, we say that a 600-run season will be there for sure. However, he has never had a 600-run season. This could be that season,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“There is nothing to prove per se, but, then, there is a lot to prove. I feel he will hit a lot as he is not the captain. Ishan Kishan will be hungry, as he has not got a central contract. This is the only thing he is playing. What else is he playing?” he added.