Not to potential but Mumbai have played well: Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indian batsman Rohit Sharma on Saturday, said that his team might have not played to its potential so far in the Indian Premier League, but insisted that the fact that they are placed at number three in the points table shows they have done considerably well.

All set to take on Rajasthan Royals, who are already out of contention for the play-offs, here on Sunday, Rohit said Mumbai Indians are looking forward to sealing a playoff berth.

"Some people think that we have not played up to our potential but still we are at number three in the table. Tomorrow is an important match for us. We won't take the Royals, who are out of contention, lightly as we know they would come hard at us because they would be looking to finish on a high," said Rohit on the eve of their match.

Refusing to blame the batsmen for their inconsistent performance in the tournament till now, Rohit said that Mumbai Indians are looking to iron out the flaws in their batting.

"I would not like to blame the batting as it is never easy to score 16 runs in the last over but we have done that quite a few times. But it also true that sometimes we have not been able to manage small totals.

"It is just a matter of time that we click and the game against Rajasthan Royals might give us that opportunity. That would help us in the play-offs as we would be peaking at the right time," he said.

When asked if a big knock from Sachin Tendulkar was due and if it might come tomorrow, Rohit said, "He is in very good form and a big knock could be expected from him any day. It might just come tomorrow."

"He has already played some good innings like the one against Chennai Super Kings. He is batting well and has piled a lot of runs."

Satisfied with his own form, Rohit said he would like to continue what he has been doing so far in this season.

"I'm happy with my form and would like to put my team in good position whenever I get a chance. If I get another chance tomorrow I would like to try and emulate what I have done in last 15 games," he said.

Mumbai Indians struggled big time against Kolkata Knight Riders' off-spinner Sunil Narine but Rohit said that his team has plans to tackle Rajasthan Royals' off-spinner Ajit Chandila.

"We are not planning to experiment in batting order to tackle Chandila. Sunil Narine did bother us in the last match but Herschelle Gibbs is in fine form and already has hit a half-century. Sachin is there to open with him. We are looking at a good start and then the middle and lower order can capitalise on that.

"Narine is an exceptional bowler and has done well. Rajasthan Royals too have a good bowling line up and we need a good start," he said.