XtraTime Web Desk: After winning the Indian Premier League for the fourth time Rohit Sharma called Lasith Malinga a champion after he bowled a brilliant final over which helped Mumbai to win the game. “Malinga is a champion, he has been doing it for many years for us,” said Rohit.
When asked whether he had thought of giving the final over to some other bowler, Rohit accepted that he did think of giving the final over to Hardik Pandya but changed his mind as Malinga had delivered in these kind off situations.
Rohit said, “I was thinking of Hardik for the final over, but I wanted to back someone who has been in that situation for us before, and Malinga has been there many times.”
Apart from Lasith Malinga, Rohit also credited his squad of 25 players and the entire support staff for their record title victory.
“Throughout the tournament we played some good cricket which was the reason we qualified at the top. We planned to split the tournament into two parts, every thing we did as a team, we got the rewards for them. We have a squad of 25 players, everyone came in at some stage and did the job; the support-staff as well,” Rohit said.
Analysing his side’s performance over the course of the tournament, he said, “Our bowling in particular was excellent, at different stages in the game, the bowlers put their hands up and brought us back. Every bowler who got an opportunity put their hand up, took responsibility and that’s why we got the rewards for it.”
Speaking about his leadership, he said, “I am learning in every game, every time I take the field. I have to credit the team as well, it is up to the boys to step up otherwise the captain is made to look foolish. Credit to the boys!,” he signed off.