IPL 2021, MI vs KKR: Rohit Sharma rates Kolkata a top side despite Mumbai's good head-on record

Mumbai Indians would take on Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021 at Abu Dhabi on Thursday. However, despite MI’s dominating records against KKR, Rohit Sharma has rated the latter as a top side.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) is up against former champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. It would be a crucial win for either side, as MI would inch it closer to playoffs, while a win for KKR would help it stay in contention.

While MI is currently placed fourth, having won four from eight, KKR is ranked sixth, winning three from the same. As for its previous game, MI is coming off a defeat to former champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while KKR secured a comfortable win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Traditionally, MI has always had KKR’s number, while their previous clash during the India leg this season saw the former triumph. While critics and fans expect MI to continue to trend, skipper Rohit Sharma is watchful and has labelled KKR a top side.

“It’s important that we turn up and do the job! I honestly don’t believe in past records. T20 is a game on that particular day. What happens it’s a game of that you have to be best on that day. They (KKR) are a good opposition, and they play cricket very well as a team, and they will obviously be coming off from some confidence after their last win, so it’s not going to be cakewalk for us,” he said in a video posted by MI.

“I know that we had a very handy record against them, but it’s important that we turn up really well on that particular day and do the job. When you are chasing a score like 157, you need to build those small partnerships and make sure you keep yourself in the game as long as possible,” he added.

Rohit also lauded the effort shown by pacer Adam Milne against CSK, expecting him to deliver the same against KKR. “Adam Milne, especially, is coming from a very good tournament in UK. He is a good bowler, bowls really fast, and it’s all about, you know, getting that confidence, and he got that confidence in the first game. So, I just hope that he builds on it. We just have to come back and come back really strong and tick those small boxes, and I think if you look at the potential in this squad. We have got all bases covered,” he concluded.

Rohit was conspicuous by missing out against CSK, as the management said he was given extra time to gain match fitness. However, pacer Trent Boult affirmed on Wednesday that the skipper was raring to go against KKR.

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