Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar sees a positive sign for the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite witnessing Rohit Sharma's batting struggles for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. While Rohit started strong with a century against Chennai Super Kings, his form dipped later, with several dismissals under 10 runs. However, Gavaskar believes Rohit's late resurgence, evident in his final match's impressive knock against LSG, bodes well for both the player and the Indian team. MI's last match of IPL 2024 offered a sigh of relief for fans and Gavaskar alike. Rohit rediscovered his touch, hammering 68 runs off only 38 balls in the losing cause against LSG. The knock, studded with three towering sixes, was a promising sign for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
ALSO READ: What's next for Rohit Sharma? Ex-MI skipper reveals his future plans to Mark Boucher after IPL 2024
"Well, that was such a nice thing to see. Because look, we know that Mumbai Indians can't qualify, but to see Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain for the T20 World Cup starting in about 15 days' time, batting the way that he has, it's very heartening," Gavaskar said on Star Sports Cricket Live.
"That's exactly what you want. You want Rohit Sharma to be setting the team off to a good start, so that the lower-order batters can come in and finish it off, potentially getting 200-plus every time they play," Gavaskar added.
Rohit will have his sight set on bigger goal as he will be leading India in the T20 World Cup which will commence from June 2. Team India heads to the USA later this month and after a warm-up clash against Bangladesh, kick off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a match against Ireland in New York on June 5. Placed in Group A, they'll face USA, Canada, Pakistan, and Ireland.
The high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India and Pakistan will take on June 9. However, India's opener against Ireland will be followed by the clash against USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15. Interestingly, the first three matches will be played in New York, with the final group-stage game happening in Lauderhill. After their New York stint, the team will travel to the West Indies for the crucial Super 8 stage, aiming to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
India's T20 World Cup squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Hardik Pandya Ban: Big blow to Mumbai Indians captain, won't play first match of IPL 2025
WATCH - Nita Ambani's animated conversation with Rohit Sharma after disappointing end to Hardik Pandya-led MI's campaign
