On Tuesday, Rohit Sharma was dismissed for the fifth time in a row with a score of less than 10, but former India captain Ravi Shastri backed the Mumbai Indians captain to regain his form and be a threat should they advance to the playoffs.
Rohit Sharma has the support of former India head coach Ravi Shastri
Shastri believes that the Mumbai Indians’ recent run of success will only help their captain get over his slump.
Ravi Shastri made his remarks after Mumbai Indians beat Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, May 9, and set a new IPL record for the fastest 200-plus chase (in terms of balls remaining). They completed the task in just 16 point three overs.
In a crucial match of the biggest, Mumbai rode on a stunning Suryakumar Yadav knock (83 from 35 balls) to make short work of the chase against RCB. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for just 7 after spending 8 balls in the middle of the steep chase.
Rohit Sharma, a five-time champion captain, had scored just 12 runs in his previous five innings, making it his fifth consecutive score in the single digits.
However, if the 5-time champions make the playoffs, Ravi Shastri said “he has a gut feeling that Rohit will get back to his best and step up significantly. He continued by saying that an in-form Rohit will be a warning sign for rival teams in the IPL’s knockout stage.”
According to Ravi Shastri, who spoke to Star Sports, “If they make the playoffs, a Man of the Match, I can guarantee you in one of the playoff games.”
“Both a plus and a red flag for rival teams, it is. One day he’s going to awaken, come out, and smack it. I just hope he maintains his form when he makes those daring shots. He has a lot of time to practice his shots. Without a doubt, he will return to form, the speaker continued.”
In the IPL 2023, Rohit Sharma has scored only 191 runs in 11 games, a dismal average of less than 18 runs per innings. On Tuesday, Rohit, who has a history of attempting expansive shots early in his innings, took his time and batted 7 balls. When he attempted to rise and play one through the leg side, Wanindu Hasaranga had him out LBW.
Mumbai Indians managed to chase down 200 and climb from No. Despite Rohit’s early exit. 8 to No. 3 in the IPL 2023 points chart.
Since winning their fifth championship in 2020, MI are now in a strong position to secure their first appearance in the postseason.
In addition, Irfan Pathan, a former fast bowler for India, backed Rohit Sharma, saying “a man with his experience would succeed on the biggest stage, to make a comeback sooner rather than later.”
“Sooner or later, I believe he will make a comeback. Mumbai Indians supporters will be hoping that he performs well under pressure. The big boys do that. When the team needs them the most, big players always revert to form. To get back in shape, he will draw on all of his experience from playing in the IPL and international cricket, according to Pathan.”
Mumbai Indians will be confident in their chances when they take on Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday. Gujarat Titans are the defending champions after starting the season with two losses.