Updated: November 9, 2020 4:24:34 pm
The captain of the Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma. (Source: IPLT20.com)
Led by their world-class scorers Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, and well complemented by skilled spinners, energetic fielding and a turbocharged batting order, the defending champions of the Mumbai Indians have been the most complete team in the 2020 IPL title, When they face Delhi Capitals in the final on Tuesday (Nov 10), captain Rohit Sharma’s indifferent batting form will be cause for concern.
How has Rohit Sharma performed in this IPL?
Given its high standards, it has been a fairly moderate season. With 264 runs and just two 50s in 11 games with a below-par 24 average, Rohit risks ending this season with the worst tally (2018 was the worst: 286 runs).
What are the reasons for Rohit’s sterile career?
One of the overwhelming factors that has contributed to the Mumbai Indians captain’s sterile streak is his apparent discomfort when playing for spin. It is a well-documented fact that Rohit prefers to tackle pacemakers early in his innings. So far, the spinners have fired him five times, and the spinners, in particular, have the wood on the 33-year-old. In fact, Rohit hasn’t scored a single six against them. Following the example, the opposition teams have preferred to open the attack with off-spinners. The classic case was during the Qualifying 1 match against Delhi Capitals, when Ravichandran Ashwin, who opened the bowling alley, caught Rohit lbw in the first installment. Abrasive fields in the United Arab Emirates have also contributed to hampering his fluid hitting game.
Rohit’s physical condition has also been a concern, right?
More than concern, there was confusion surrounding his hamstring injury. He had to miss four games and also found that his name was not on the teams for the upcoming Team India tour of Australia. In fact, a few hours after BCCI president Sourav Ganguly warned Rohit not to focus on the short term at the expense of his career, he withdrew for the draw in the seemingly inconsequential league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. After that game, he would allay concerns about his fitness when he said: “My hamstring is absolutely fine.” Since his return to player XI, Rohit was able to collect scores of 4 and 0.
Also explained | Do the mighty Mumbai Indians, defending IPL champions, have a weakness?
Did Rohit’s absence hinder Mumbai progress?
Far from there. In his absence, Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav stepped up with dazzling performances at the top of the order, so much so that Mumbai hardly missed their experienced captain. de Kock and Kishan with 483 runs each and Suryakumar Yadav (461) are in the top 10 to get runs this season. In essence, this underscores the sheer depth of hitting talent available to Mumbai.. 📣 Express Explained is now on Telegram
Should Rohit abandon the order of the IPL final?
There’s a school of thought that suggests the franchise should elevate a fit Kishan as a starter with De Kock in the IPL final, and bring its failed captain to the middle order. In the four games Rohit missed due to his hamstring injury, the 22-year-old Kishan impressed as the team’s makeshift starter, scoring 68 not eliminated, 37, 25 and 72 not eliminated. But such a move would be counterproductive. That’s because Rohit had endured one of the most miserable phases as a hitter when he dropped to No. 4 in the 2018 season.
So where does Rohit fit in the Mumbai batting order?
Despite the string of low scores, Rohit’s best option is to open. There is little doubt that he is the best hitter on the team by far. Therefore, it is important that you are able to cope with the greatest number of deliveries. Being a starter will give you time to assess the game situation and get into the rhythm. With the great experience (the final against Delhi Capitals will be the 200th game of the Rohit IPL), there is no reason why he cannot change his form in the clash at the top.
.
