Rohit Sharma's IPL 2008 performance sowed seeds for success as MI captain: VVS Laxman

Rohit Sharma was inducted into Mumbai Indians line-up prior to 2011 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). right-handed batsman was n appointed as ir captain midway into 2013 season after Ricky Ponting stepped down from role. Ever since Rohit Sharma ascended to captaincy, Mumbai Indians have emerged as four-time IPL winners. Moreover, it was Sharma’s first season (2013) as leader itself when he claimed T20 double of IPL and erstwhile Champions League T20.

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VVS Laxman praises Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians success

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman was teammates with Rohit Sharma through w-defunct Deccan Chargers side between IPL 2008 and 2010. In a recent appearance on Star Sports show Cricket Connected, VVS Laxman said that before talented batsman became a champion for Mumbai Indians, he became a 'leader' for Deccan Chargers in inaugural edition (IPL 2008) itself. Sharma, who was only 21 at time, was a 'standout performer' for Adam Gilchrist-led side in 2008, according to Laxman.

cricketer-turned-commentator praised Sharma’s ability to handle pressure in tough situations for Deccan Chargers and credited his stint with franchise as reason behind his success for Mumbai Indians. VVS Laxman also described Indian limited-overs vice-captain as “one of most successful captains in IPL history”.

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Rohit Sharma with Deccan Chargers (IPL 2008-2010)

In IPL 2008, Deccan Chargers stood at bottom of points table by winning just 2 out of ir 14 matches. However, ir fortunes turned for good in next season as y went on to lift coveted trophy in South Africa in 2009. Rohit Sharma, who scored 362 runs and bagged 11 wickets including a match-winning hat-trick, was awarded ‘U-23 Success of Tournament’ (w kwn as ‘Emerging Player of Season’).

Rohit Sharma with Mumbai Indians (since 2011)

Even after a splendid outing for Chargers in 2010, franchise did t retain cricketer for 2011 season. Since his maiden Mumbai Indians campaign in 2011, star batsman has plundered 3,728 runs in 143 matches with one century and 28 half-centuries. As skipper, he led star-studded franchise to wins at 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 seasons.

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