According to former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan, Mumbai Indians have multiple options to replace Rohit at the top of the order. He suggested that either Naman Dhir or Suryakumar Yadav could be promoted to open alongside Ryan Rickelton.
Zaheer also noted that MI could bring in an overseas replacement, but that move would come at the cost of weakening their bowling attack.
“They have an option in the form of Naman Dhir. If Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to injury, we might see Naman Dhir opening. Suryakumar Yadav has also opened in the past. They also have an overseas option, but then you might have to sacrifice a bowler,” Zaheer said on Cricbuzz.
Meanwhile, former India all-rounder Manoj Tiwary suggested that Rohit could still be used as an Impact Player if his injury is not serious, emphasizing his importance during the powerplay overs.
“They can use Rohit Sharma as an Impact Player. Even if he is 90% fit, he should bat because no one utilizes the powerplay better,” Tiwary said.
Tiwary also raised concerns over Jasprit Bumrah’s wicketless run this season, suggesting MI should use him with the new ball more consistently, especially with Trent Boult not in peak rhythm.
“He hasn’t picked up a wicket because they are not giving him the new ball… When you have Bumrah, give him two overs with the new ball,” he added.
