IPL 2021: Dale Steyn suggests a new opening pair for Mumbai Indians


IPL 2021: Dale Steyn suggests a new opening pair for Mumbai Indians

Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) returned to their winning ways in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The Rohit Sharma-led side beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in a one-sided affair at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.

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Moreover, MI’s wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock found his lost form back with an amazing knock 70* runs off 50 deliveries. The Proteas cricketer also won the ‘Man of the Match’ award.

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn suggested that MI can open with Chris Lynn alongside De Kock in their upcoming matches. The flamboyant Aussie played well during the maiden game of the season where he got out for 49 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Steyn added that skipper Rohit Sharma can bat at number three followed by Suryakumar Yadav.

Also Read | IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians clinch important victory against Rajasthan Royals

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“I like Rohit as an opening batter but you could throw a real spanner in the works by opening with QDK (Quinton de Kock) and Chris Lynn and push Rohit at 3 and SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) at 4,” said Dale Steyn on ESPNCricinfo.

“It (Ishan Kishan’s form) is a cause of worry. They have played some games now, they have allowed him to get going, he hasn’t shown the same form as last year. And there’s an option because they have only been playing three overseas pros for the last couple of games,” Steyn pointed out.

‘Pollard has done well but Hardik hasn’t performed yet’: Steyn

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is yet to find his lost mojo back in IPL 2021

The 37-year old said that following the aforementioned order extends their batting a bit. He added that Kieron Pollard has done alright so far but Hardik Pandya has miserably in IPL 2021. However, Krunal Pandya did well with his fluent innings of 39 runs after being promoted at number four against RR.

“It just extends their batting a little bit. We have seen them struggle in their middle order with Hardik, Krunal and Kieron (Pollard). Kieron has done OK but Hardik hasn’t just pitched up yet,” he concluded.

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Also Read | IPL 2021: “The Delhi pitch suited us” – Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock reflect on MI’s win over RR