What if Travis Head opens with Rohit Sharma for MI in IPL 2026? ( Source : Grok AI )

The  has so far been a platform for all the destructive batters in the tournament, and one of the most dangerous batters in the last two seasons has been Australia’s . Though the left-handed batter is currently one of the key players for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), it would be interesting to see how he would fair for other teams.

One of the teams that might target Head if he enters the auction would be the Mumbai Indians, which also means that there might be a chance that he would be opening the batting with, who has been an equally destructive batter throughout the years and has been a decorated IPL veteran.

It would be interesting to discuss how this opening pair could work while discussing the pros and cons of this potential opening partnership if the Aussie opener is part of the boys in Blue and Gold next season. This could be an interesting top order partnership to look forward to.

Here are the pros and cons if Rohit and Travis Head open in IPL: Advantages

1. Both batters firing will be a nightmare for the bowlers

Travis Head and Rohit Sharma have been one of the most dangerous batters in white-ball cricket and have always made the opposition pay whenever they have played a big knock. It is safe to say that if both these batters get going, the bowlers are not going to have a pleasant day. The right and left-hand combination will also be a major factor, the longer they play.

2. Less pressure on both batters

Though there might be innings where one of the batters might not go on to score big due to their high-risk game, but due to this approach, they will not use up deliveries which normally puts pressure on the other batters. This will also help in maintaining a good scoring rate, which will not affect the confidence of the other batter.

3. Rivals turning teammates

There is no doubt that Travis Head has been a real headache for Rohit Sharma in both franchise and international cricket, but the 38-year-old has not really been sweet as well when the two openers battle. Head and Rohit have acted as kryptonite towards each other’s team, and it will be interesting to see what happens when the two superstars have to work together in the same team.

Disadvantages 1. High risk, high pressure

The duo has a risky approach to the game, and there are chances that both batters fail to give a great start by getting dismissed early in the innings. In case this happens, there will be a lot of pressure on the batters coming next, who have to make up for the poor start.

2. Problems facing spin

Both Rohit and Head like to take on the pacers but have had their fair-share of struggles against the spinners in their career. While Rohit seems to have a lower strike rate against spin compared to pacers, Travis Head despite having a high strike rate has been dismissed more by the spinners than the pacers.

3. Lack of chemistry might be an issue

Openers need to have great camaraderie and communication when it comes to planning or running between the wickets. Rohit and Head despite having a lot of experience have never been part of the same side. The lack of chemistry between the two could work as a huge problem with this opening pair.

Conclusion

This would be an opening pair that could cause a lot of damage to any bowling attack if they get going, but there is always the high risk disadvantage and not spending enough time together in one team that can lead to some major failures as well.