Rohit Sharma Having The Freedom To Walk Out And Bat Will Be Beneficial For Mumbai Indians: Aaron Finch

With the burden of captaincy off his shoulders, Rohit Sharma will be able to play with a lot of freedom which will help five-time champions Mumbai Indians, reckoned former Australia T20 skipper Aaron Finch. Hardik Pandya will lead MI this season, replacing Rohit who has led the side to five IPL titles. "I think for Rohit, the challenge would be just walking out and opening the batting as he's done so many times for India and Mumbai over the years. This might be a wipe off for his shoulders," Finch said during Star Sports' Show Game Plan.

"When you are captaining a team constantly, everywhere you go you are captain of the team. You can get engrossed a lot in that, so now having the freedom to walk out and bat will be beneficial for him personally and Mumbai Indians."

Two-time former champions Kolkata Knight Riders had finished seventh in the last edition and Finch hoped they will be able to put up a good show this time after the addition of Australia pacer Mitchell Starc.

"I think KKR will improve on their last year (performance), they weren't at their best last year. But Shreyas (Iyer's) injury cloud would be interesting to see how much of an impact he has throughout the tournament," said Finch, who featured for as many as eight IPL teams, including the Kolkata Knight Riders.

"When you add Mitchell Starc to any T20 team you are going to be better, his ability with the new ball to swing it upfront will provide very valuable wickets... and in the power play, which is so important for the game. And, his death bowling is obviously exceptional as well." Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan felt Sunrisers Hyderabad could give the captaincy reins to Pat Cummins this season following his exploits for Australia.

Cummins led