IPL 2023: 'I'm used to playing without Jasprit Bumrah,' says Rohit after loss against RCB

Mumbai Indians were once again off to a losing start in Indian Premier League campaign opener as y were defeated at hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore by eight wickets on Sunday. Rohit Sharma-led team lacked behind RCB in both batting and bowling departments, with only Tilak Verma stepping up with an unbeaten kck of 84 off 46 balls. While MI failed to defend total of 171 runs in second innings, skipper Rohit was confronted with a question related to Indian pace superstar Jasprit Bumrah.

Hailed as one of most dominating pacers of era, Bumrah has been a key player for five-time IPL champions ever since he made his debut for team around a decade ago. However, pace sensation has been out of action ever since picking up a back injury last year. He went on to miss ICC T20 World Cup 2022, several bilateral limited-over series, and Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023, before getting ruled out of IPL 2023.

Meanwhile, at post-match presentation show after MI’s loss at M. Chinnawamy, which is considered to be a nightmare for bowlers, Rohit Sharma was asked about disadvants of t having Bumrah by his side. “For past six-eight months I am used to play without Bumrah. We can't control things which we can't control. or guys are also talented. A lot of guys haven't played IPL before. First game of season, lot to look forward to,” Rohit told match presenter.

ALSO READ | Mumbai Indians (MI) IPL 2023 Team SWOT Analysis: Archer In, Bumrah Out As MI Look For Turnaround

MI squad 2023: Rohit Sharma opens up on poor batting show during MI vs RCB

Coming back to match, MI lost wickets in quick succession in first innings, with top four batsmen of lineup getting out with only 48 runs on board. Tilak n displayed his masterclass by hitting 84 runs off 46 balls with help of nine fours and four sixes. “Didn't have a great start but was a good effort from Tilak at end. But bowlers didn't bowl well. We didn't bat good eugh, it was a good pitch,” Rohit Sharma said.

“Some of shorts he played today, he showed a lot of cour. We wanted to be courous eugh, and hats off to Tilak for getting us to total. Was a good pitch to bat on. We did t bat to our potential. 30-40 runs would have been ideal. We were struggling t play catch-up game,” skipper added. Meanwhile, RCB cruised to target riding high on 148-run stand for first wicket between Virat Kohli (82* off 49) and Faf du Plessis (73 off 43).