Michael Vaughan’ doubts’ Mumbai Indians will defend Indian Premier League title without captain Rohit Sharma
Mahela Jayawardene’s Mumbai aims to become the second team in IPL history to defend their title after the Chennai Super Kings’ back-to-back triumphs in 2010 and 2011
Indian drummer Rohit missed Mumbai’s last three matches as franchise initially said he suffered from a minor hamstring problem
While Rohit’s absence was not particularly disturbing – Mumbai have won two of their three matches without the Indian star – Vaughan ‘doubts’ they will win the tournament unless he returns for the play-offs
The former England captain told Cricbuzz: « They are still a strong team but I doubt they can go all the way without Rohit Sharma
« I just think he’s such an important part of this team, when you look at the captain, the leadership and of course his stick
« They are still a very strong team and you despise their team and they are very consistent with their selections and they stay loyal to the players they believe in
« They are still a good team, but I think the Rohit Sharma factor is important. I don’t see them winning the IPL this year without Rohit
« His injury is a bit of a mystery But I don’t see them winning the tournament without Rohit playing a role in the next few matches »
Mumbai took a five-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday to secure their place in the play-offs
Jasprit Bumrah won three wickets in a brilliant spell as the reigning champions limited Virat Kohli’s Bangalore to 164-6
Suryakumar Yadav then scored 79 unbeaten on 43 balls to see the Mumbai Indians at home with five balls and five wickets in reserve
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World News – AU – Michael Vaughan assesses Mumbai’s chances of winning IPL 2020 without Rohit Sharma
