Kings XI up against a potent combination

WITH PONTING BACK IN A NEW ROLE AS HEAD COACH, ROHIT WILL LOOK TO LEAD MUMBAI TO ANOTHER TITLE

MUMBAI: Despite being Australia’s most successful skipper, Ricky Ponting had an ordinary outing as Mumbai Indians captain in 2013. Poor form meant the Aussie had to bench himself and look for a suitable option.

Rohit Sharma came into the picture and the Mumbai batsman has shone ever since he replaced the Aussie. He led Mumbai to their maiden IPL title that year and also saw them to the playoff stage the next season.

With Ponting back in a new role as head coach this year, Rohit will look to lead Mumbai to another title with Ponting helping him plot opponents’ downfall from the backroom.

Ponting served as an advisor last year during the UAE leg but this will be his first stint with the team ever since he stepped down as skipper.

The twice Champions League T20 winners might have lost to holders Kolkata Knight Riders in their inaugural match but the skipper stood out with an unbeaten 98. Captaincy seems to bring the best out of Rohit. It’s not easy to take charge midway and help the side to the title but the India opener managed to achieve the feat in his maiden outing. It looks to get even better with the Australian by his side.

The camaraderie was visible before Mumbai’s first match against KKR when Ponting heaped praise on Rohit.

“As far as Rohit’s captaincy is concerned, he has been spot on. Back in 2013, when we won the title, I stood down and he took over and the way he controlled the side on the ground was fantastic. He looks ahead, understands the game really well. More importantly, communicates with the players really well on the field,” Ponting told reporters.

The IPL is not the only tournament where Rohit has proved his credentials as skipper. The stylish batsman has led Mumbai from the front in Ranji Trophy. It will be a stern test for Kings XI Punjab when they take on Mumbai at the Wankhede on Sunday. They will not only have to overcome an in-form Rohit but also outthink Ponting. KEY PLAYERS

KIERON POLLARD: Though West Indies dropped him from their World Cup squad, Pollard has been consistent in the IPL.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: He has gone from strength to strength in the last few years and showed no signs of relenting while toppling RR’s top order in the opener.

HEAD TO HEAD Matches played Mumbai Indians won Kings XI Punjab won MI KXIP

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