IPL 2017, final: Rohit Sharma seeks change in fortunes for Mumbai Indians (MI) against Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS)

Rohit is hoping that his side turns the table and come out as the winners for the third time in 10 years since the inception of the tournament.

MI have lost all their 3 games against RPS this season, but will the fortunes turn for Rohit Sharma and co? © BCCI

With all eyes set on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 final between Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at Hyderabad, MI skipper Rohit Sharma is hoping to shun his team’s poor record against RPS. Both sides met each other thrice this season, with twice being in the group stages and once in the Qualifier 1. But on all the three occasions, MI had to taste defeats despite being more consistent and experienced than RPS. But coming into the final game, Rohit is hoping that his side turns the table and come out as the winners for the third time in 10 years since the inception of the tournament. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) – Final

Talking on the eve of the final, speaking to the assembled media, Rohit was quoted by PTI as saying, as “We have not had great history against Pune. They have been playing some really good cricket throughout the tournament. It’s just that we were not good on those days. That’s probably the reasons we lost the game.”

Despite losing the Qualifier 1 against RPS by 20 runs at the Wankhede Stadium, MI displayed a spirited performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) winning by 6 wickets on May 19 to become the second finalists of the silverware.

“Tomorrow (May 21), we got to make sure that we better and we play good cricket and focus on what we need to do as a team,” Rohit added.

“If all those things have been looked after, results will take care of itself. You need to concentrate on the process rather than thinking too far ahead.”

MI played consistent cricket throughout the group stage of IPL 2017 and were well placed at the top of the table in the end. But coming into the knockout stage of the tournament, a chunk of senior players have not been able to pick their game, which did put their team in a spot of bother at crucial stages.

But in spite of this, Rohit is confident of his side has backed his players for the final game.

“We certainly did not have any individual brilliance throughout the tournament. Guys have come at different points and taken up the responsibility. (It) goes to show that teamwork is so much important whether it’s bowling or you’re batting,” he added before signing off.