IPL 2023: Rohit Sharma justifies sending Vishnu Vinod ahead of Tim David in Qualifier 2 loss

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma justified his failed decision to send Vishnu Vinod ahead of Tim David as Mumbai Indians went down by 62 runs while chasing a mammoth 234 runs against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Vishnu Vinod, who came on as a concussion substitute to keep wickets after Ishan Kishan was accidentally hit on his head by teammate Chris Jordan, could only score 5 runs off 7 balls at a crucial juncture. The batter was sent to bat ahead of big-hitter Tim David after Cameron Green (30) fell in the 12th over.

Cricket experts felt that Tim David should have come out to bat instead as it would have allowed the Aussie to settle down and go for his big shots in the death overs. David came to bat in the 15th over instead as Suryakumar Yadav (79) and Vinod were dismissed in that over by Mohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma, however, said he had faith in Vishnu and is not going to judge his performance today.

"Tim through the season we have given him a role - certain situations where he is going to bat. Vishnu is a good player and I have seen that personally and I'm not going to look at anything in judgement today, Gujarat played well," said Rohit Sharma.

The losing captain also credited Shubman Gill for his extraordinary century that set up GT's win and hoped that his form continues as World Test Championships (WTC) final beckons.

"We have to credit Shubman. I hope he continues that form (laughs). Shubman batted well, wicket was good. They got 20-25 extra."

While Gujarat Titans will face Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023 final on Sunday, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma will join forces with the Indian team in London right after for WTC final against Australia at the Oval from June 7.