IPL 10: Rohit Sharma sets sights high

Mumbai: After missing competitive action for five months, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma is anxious to get back on the field. The 29-year-old Indian stylish batsman suffered a thigh injury in the last ODI against New Zealand in Vizag on October 29. Following the injury, Rohit had to undergo surgery in England and has been out of action since.

He did feature in two Vijay Hazare games for Mumbai last month but missed the Deodhar Trophy. He was cleared by BCCI’s medical team along with franchise team-mate Hardik Pandya on Saturday and has joined the Mumbai Indians preparatory camp under new coach Mahela Jayawardene.

“Everything is fine and I’m waiting to get back onto the field. Yesterday was our practice game, I played full 40 overs without any issues, so looking good. It feels a long time, actually more than five months. I missed a lot of games but it is part of any sportsman’s career when injuries happen. I am not looking backwards and want to start the season on a high,” Rohit said here on Sunday.

The Mumbai dasher who has been a certainty in limited overs cricket had shown consistency with three fifties in three Tests against New Zealand but missed 10 home Tests after that owing to injury. He did not agree that the injury was a setback to his career especially in Tests.

“I am just 29. Five months missing cricket does not do any bad. These things will happen in future too. In your career, you will miss games. It has happened before and now it does not come as a surprise. It’s important for me to stay strong and focus ahead. I am looking forward and there’s so much cricket coming up,” Rohit said.

Reflecting on the injury, Rohit admitted he was scared initially but he stayed strong all through. “During my innings in Vizag I heard a loud noise while taking a run, I was scared until I got the MRI done but once the days passed everything was clear. We contacted many doctors and spoke to Patrick Farhart (Indian team physio). They all gave me confidence. I came through comfortably.”

‘Moved on from India-Aus series rancour’
Rohit said he wasn’t surprised by the tempers flaring high during the recent four-match India vs Australia Test series.

“The India-Australia series have always seen good rivalry over the years and I was not surprised at what happened. When you play against a top side in the world, these things happen. As long as one remembers not to cross limits, it’s good. Some things were blown out of proportion for unnecessary reasons. Players know what needs to be done on and off field,” he opined. Asked about his equation with the Australians especially Mitchell Johnson who is in his side, he said. “We are all friends and get along nicely.”