This is a tournament in which lots of runs have been scored in the last few overs: Parthiv Patel

Indian opener Rohit Sharma decided to change his batting position in the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League and teammate Parthiv Patel feels that this move by the skipper is providing stability to the Ambani-owned franchise. In the first two games of this season by the two-time champions, Rohit came out to bat at No. 4 while the innings was opened by Jos Buttler and Parthiv Patel.

Parthiv recollected that the same move in 2015 was instrumental in winning the title, for it gives the openers freedom to play all sorts of shots.

“The year before (2015) when we won the championship, with myself and Lendl (Simmons) opening we were successful. With Rohit coming down, it gives stability to the batting order and gives us freedom to play shots in the first six overs. In the first two games we gave good starts, but lost wickets at the wrong time.” Patel said as per the quotes on Indian Express.

He also spoke about Mumbai’s thriller against the Kolkata Knight Riders, revealing that MI were very confident of their win even when they required 60 from 4 overs.

“This is a tournament in which lots of runs have been scored in the last few overs. We were always confident, especially with the way Hardik (Pandya) was batting in the nets or even in the last game.”

The wicket-keeper batsman, who made an international comeback during India’s long home season, praised the way Nitish Rana played against KKR, making a half century and taking the game away from the opposition. Patel said that the 23-year-old proved himself as a capable batsman and is a ‘quality player’

“He batted very well in last season’s last game as well. He showed how well he can bat and accelerate. He’s definitely a quality player”

Mumbai next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad tonight at 8 PM.