Rohit marked his comeback in style at the Wankhede Stadium, producing a commanding knock that laid the platform for a successful chase, underlining his value to a struggling side. Harbhajan stressed that Rohit\u2019s presence in the middle, rather than on the sidelines, makes a decisive difference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to be in the middle. You can do only so much sitting in the dugout. But you can make a difference by being in the middle, and Rohit Sharma did exactly that. You needed that foundation to chase down that many runs, and he didn\u2019t just lay the foundation, but built a couple of floors on it as well, leaving very little for the rest to do,\u201d Harbhajan told JioStar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former off-spinner felt Rohit\u2019s innings not only anchored the chase but also ensured that the rest of the batting unit had minimal pressure in closing out the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt would have been even better if he had got his hundred, but for the time he was there, he played exceptionally well,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mumbai Indians have endured an inconsistent season, with injuries and misfiring key players affecting their campaign. Harbhajan reflected on how Rohit\u2019s absence during a crucial phase may have cost the team valuable points.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI wish his injury had healed a little earlier; who knows, they might have won a game or two during that losing streak and would have still been alive in the competition,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite their precarious position on the points table, Harbhajan believes the five-time champions still have an outside chance of staying in contention if results go their way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI wish his injury had healed a little earlier; who knows, they might have won a game or two during that losing streak and would have still been alive in the competition,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With momentum finally on their side, MI will now look to build on Rohit\u2019s return as they attempt to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n