‘Rohit should open for MI’

Former India batsman Lalchand Rajut believes that Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma should open the innings for the defending champions as it can give the team a good start.

"Rohit is a prolific opening batsman, who has done exceptionally well for India as an opener. So opening and playing free is important for him. If you start well, then you can pile up a big score. You have to open with Rohit, as simple as that," Rajput said.

"When you bat at number four after losing two wickets that is a different ball-game rather than opening. It (Rohit opening the innings) will help Mumbai, because they will get a good start, as the start is important," the former Mumbai opener added.

Three times champion MI, who have lost five of the six games, have opted to open with West Indian Evin Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav, with Rohit has been coming to bat at number four.

"But Rohit is such a player, once he gets 30s, he makes it big," Rajput, a domestic bulwark, said.

Rajput also said that West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard has been "struggling" and MI can look at J P Duminy as an option.

"If a certain player is not doing well, you have to look at it. Pollard is not in good form. It is time that MI look for another options" added Rajput.