Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders may have the home advantage going into Wednesday’s game, but Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday said his team feels equally at home, having won their maiden IPL title at this venue two years ago. “We have always felt confident here. If you look at the records, we have done really well here,” Rohit told reporters on the eve of their IPL opener against KKR.
“First game of the season is very crucial so we have start well whether we bat or bowl first.”
Playing down talks about the Knight Riders preparing slow pitches to suit their needs, Rohit said it’s “fair” for the hosts to make a suitable wicket for themselves.
“I see no reason why a team should not use the home advantage. KKR are doing the same and play according to their strength, which is fair I guess. When you’re away from home all odds will be against you,” said Rohit.
Stressing on the importance of starting on a winning note, Rohit said, “It’s a long tournament, you always have a chance to come back but it’s not easy, so it’s important to start well and take the momentum forward.
“It gives you a lot of confidence and you can build on your strengths.”
Rohit, who holds an ODI world record of scoring 264 runs in his last appearance here, said he would like to stay in the present and not think much about his feat that he achieved against Sri Lanka in November last year.
“You don’t break records everyday. That innings will remain in my mind definitely. It will give me confidence. But it’s April now, it’s a long time. I would like to stay in present. I will take that confidence into the game. I know the conditions here really well,” he insisted.
Rohit said it is not only Narine, but KKR’s utility Indian recruits have had their share of success.
“They contribute as a team. Their Indian domestic players have got a fair bit of idea on how to bat in each wicket. Their domestic players did well last season. They also bat deep. But I think we have to focus on our strengths. Planning is important but it’s more important to execute,” Rohit pointed out. (PTI)
