Former India captain Ravi Shastri revealed on Tuesday, May 9, that Rohit Sharma should give himself a bit more time at the top and not try playing any fancy shots early in his innings. Shastri's comments come during what many believe is the worst phase of his Indian Premier League (IPL) career with the bat, having scored just 184 runs in 10 matches at an average of less than 20.
The Team India skipper has managed just 12 runs in his last five innings, including two ducks to his name. The Mumbai Indians (MI) captain has also not been able to get into a proper rhythm, struggling to find his ideal pace at the top of the order.
Against Chennai Super Kings on May 6, Rohit Sharma dropped himself down to No. 3, but his fortunes did not change as he was out for 0. He tried to play a scoop shot against Deepak Chahar and only managed to mistime it to the short third-man fielder. The MI captain was visibly disappointed as the five-time champions were bundled out for just 139.
Rohit Sharma has not looked confident in the middle as the Mumbai-based have had a hot-and-cold season, managing just five wins in 10 matches.
"I think give yourself a little bit more time. His shot selection is not the greatest. He mentioned he has a different role to play. But give yourself that little bit more time, his great strength is his ability to play cricketing shots and he has more time than a lot of players in the world when it comes to playing the quicks.
"Back your strength, don't try and be too cute too early. You have got all the shots in the book, you can make up later on. Just a little bit more time in the first 6 balls or so. Play more cricketing shots rather than trying to improvise early on," Shastri said on Star Sports before the match against RCB.
Mumbai Indians still have a chance of reaching the playoffs for the first time since IPL 2020 after they won five and lost five. A win over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday will take them into the top 3 of the IPL 2023 points table.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Afridi picks side in Virat Kohli-Naveen-ul-Haq's recent scuffle, says '..he only reacts when someone bugs him unnecessarily'
'Never change': Five days after verbal fight with Virat Kohli, Naveen-ul-Haq shares another cryptic post as Gautam Gambhir responds with subtle comment
