Mumbai Indians' star batsman Rohit Sharma has been going through a tough test with the bat over the past month. Since the match against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings seven matches ago, Rohit has scored in single digits four times, his highest score being 36 against Punjab Kings. The MI star's troubles have been one of the decisive reasons behind the team's struggles as the team was first eliminated from the playoff race earlier this week.
Rohit Sharma loses wicket and is sent off from field during Indian Premier League cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians (AP)
As the T20 World Cup approaches, Rohit's form is a major concern for the team as they aim to end an 11-year ICC title drought. The Indian batsman has been in great form in all formats of the game even before the season started, but former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that his form and that of Hardik Pandya will be huge for the national team. He argued that it was a matter of concern.
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“Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma's form is a big worry for Mumbai and the Indians. I hope they get back on track soon,” Irfan wrote in X.
Hardik Pandya has fared worse than Rohit and the all-rounder failed to shine in all three departments – batting, bowling and captaincy. In his first season as captain of MI, Hardik endured controversy over his induction into the leadership role, as the team has lost nine of their 13 matches so far. As for the bat, the all-rounder is yet to complete a half-century.
“Don't think it's something to worry about.”
While Irfan Pathan believes Rohit's form could be a cause for concern, former India fast bowler Varun Aaron says otherwise. He says Rohit can “flip the switch” when it comes to playing for the Indian team and that is not a problem for the Indian captain.
“I don't think it's a big worry. Rohit is able to flip the switch on national duty and appreciates it very much. If you're a player of his class, you'd think, 'Form is temporary, class is permanent. You can easily use the phrase “target”. He will definitely find form, he doesn't need to worry. That's a big worry for MI and that's why they didn't qualify, because he's a big piece of their puzzle. It shouldn't be a problem for the Indian team,” Aaron told ESPNCricinfo.
