Rohit Sharma plays down Kieron Pollard, Tim David comparison after MI's win vs RRThey are big shoes to fill

By India Today Sports DeskMumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has played down comparisons between former MI all-rounder Kieron Pollard and Tim David, saying the Australian has big shoes to fill. David scored a 14-ball 45 to help MI register the highest successful chase at the Wankhede Stadium.

Speaking after MI’s win over Rajasthan Royals, Rohit said it was pleasing to see his side chase down the target. MI chased down 213 runs to register their fourth win of the season.

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“It was pleasing to see how we chased down the target. Last game too, we came close and we back ourselves to chase them down. So it was pleasing,” said Rohit.

Speaking about comparisons between Pollard and David, Rohit said the Australian has big shoes to fill, while heaping praise on David’s ability and power. David smashed RR all-rounder Jason Holder for three back-to-back sixes in the last over to win the match for his side.

“Polly’s shoes are big to fill, but Tim has got a lot of ability and power. At the back end that helps and is good to have. The changes in the side are difficult, but sometimes you have to play the conditions and make calls based on compositions, so the players need to be prepared for that,” Rohit added.

The MI skipper said fast-bowler Jofra Archer returning to the side was a big positive, while adding that Suryakumar Yadav’s innings was around the corner. Suryakumar scored 55 runs off 29 balls, smashing eight boundaries and two sixes.

“Jofra’s had a massive injury, with bowlers we knew they need match practice. But his pace was a big positive and we thought SKY’s innings like that was around the corner,” said Rohit.

The India captain also heaped praise on RR opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, saying he has taken his game to the next level. Jaiswal scored 124 runs off 62 balls to register the highest individual score in IPL 2023.

“I watched him last year, he’s taken it to the next level. I asked him ‘where did you get the power from’. He said he’s been going to the gym, that’s good for him, India and RR,” Rohit added.

After defeating RR at home, MI will turn their focus towards Punjab Kings, with the two sides set to lock horns at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on May 3.