Mumbai Indians' captain Rohit Sharma today said leading the side in the ongoing Indian Premier League has helped him evolve as a better batsman.
Rohit was handed over the captaincy of Mumbai Indians midway through the tournament following Ricky Ponting's poor form and the right-hander has thrived in his new role, amassing 526 runs with the bat so far in IPL 6.
"When it (captaincy) came to me, it was a huge challenge. I was ready for it. It did not come to me as a surprise. Last two years, I was the vice-captain. I was kept in the loop about taking that responsibility. It came at the right time to me which has certainly helped my batting a lot," Rohit told reporters on the eve of the first play-off between Mumbai Indian and Chennai Super Kings at the Feroze Shah Kotla here.
"I am spending the time in the middle more. It's really reflecting on (my performance). I am very happy with the way the things have gone so far," he said.
Mumbai Indians will take on an equally impressive Chennai Super Kings in a "battle of equals" in the first play-off and Rohit said both the teams would be relying on their impact players like Kieron Pollard and Mike Hussey.
"I am not doubting them (CSK). They are a very good side. We need to play consistent cricket and need to up the ante by just 10 per cent. We have beaten them in both the games in the league phase, so obviously pressure will be on them," he said.
