Chennai, March 23 -- Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin backed the star batter Rohit Sharma to overcome his run of disappointing Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons and finally deliver a season where he will "really take it on" against bowlers with much better fitness and headspace aiding him.

MI, the five-time champions, will start off their season against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Mumbai on March 29. Key to their bid of sixth IPL title will be Rohit, who looks fitter than ever heading into the new season. Having retired from T20Is and Tests, this will be his first season as a one-format player. The only thing at this point that can stop Rohit from having a fine run in the IPL is perhaps himself, as ...