The Indian Premier League of 2021 began with Mumbai Indians taking on to the Chennai Super Kings today. The match went live from the Dubai International Stadium at 7.30 PM. Both the teams look extremely strong to take on the challenge in the El Clasico. Rohit Sharma does not feature in the game today.
Mumbai Indians made a few last-minute changes. Minutes before the game began, Kieron Pollard walks out in place of Rohit Sharma as captain. Firstly, why is Rohit Sharma out? Despite being seen in the dugout? Well, it is to be noted that Sharma got a niggle in his knee. The team management decided to rest him in the IPL opener. As a result, Kieron Pollard will lead the Mumbai Indians. Another change is, Anmolpreet Singh to make his debut for MI. Adam Milne joins the side too. Hardik Pandya gives the IPL opener a miss too!
The MI squad was seen led by Pollard a couple of times earlier too. This was owing to the injury scare for Rohit Sharma. The MI squad did not want to feature Hardik Pandya, a premium player as he did not fit in the squad.
“As a precautionary measure, he (Hardik Pandya) isn’t added in the playing XI just like Rohit Sharma. He isn’t 100% fit and in a long tournament like IPL, can’t take risks from the very first match. 100% fit Hardik is needed for Mumbai Indians’ team balance,” Parthiv Patel said.
Best of luck to the Mumbai Indians as they take on the MS Dhoni-led squad today!
