NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has offered a balanced perspective on Rohit Sharma’s recent dip in form, suggesting that the seasoned Indian skipper might benefit from a break to recharge ahead of leading India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Rohit, slated to lead India in the global tournament next month, has encountered a patch of low scores with four single-digit innings in his last five matches for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL season. This struggle comes after a strenuous season, including a taxing five-Test series preceding the IPL, with Mumbai Indians now facing slim chances for the playoffs.
“Rohit, being astute about his own performances, will naturally feel disappointed, especially after his strong start. It’s possible he’s experiencing some fatigue as well,” remarked Clarke during an interview with Star Sports. “A break to recharge could work wonders for him, but as the Indian captain and a crucial player for Mumbai Indians, there’s hardly any respite. He’ll need to rediscover his form.”
Rohit’s cameo appearance as an impact substitute against Kolkata Knight Riders raised eyebrows within the Indian camp. However, just three days later, he completed a full game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Clarke remained optimistic about Rohit’s imminent return to form, emphasizing his upbeat demeanor and dismissing concerns about timing. “With someone of Rohit’s caliber, it’s only a matter of time before he bounces back. Hopefully, he eases off the pressure and concentrates on his game because he’s too talented to keep missing out. He thrives when his timing is on point rather than forcing the issue,” Clarke opined.
Additionally, Clarke lauded Rohit’s deputy for the World Cup and Mumbai Indians skipper, Hardik Pandya, for his impactful performance, particularly with the ball. Pandya’s recent bowling figures of 4-0-31-3 against SRH showcased his growing effectiveness in that department, a development that Clarke deemed essential for Pandya’s overall cricketing prowess.
“In recent matches, he’s been picking up wickets with his bowling, making necessary adjustments along the way. For an all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, success in one facet elevates confidence across the board,” Clarke observed. “This aspect is crucial for his cricketing journey in any format. Initially, he wasn’t bowling as much as expected in the first half of the tournament. However, in the last few games, he’s found his rhythm again.”
Clarke also commended Pandya’s adept use of bouncers, emphasizing its significance as a potent weapon in his arsenal. “His effective use of bouncers is commendable. It strengthens his overall performance, not just for Mumbai but also for Indian cricket as a whole,” Clarke concluded.
