The MI finished last year at the bottom of the table, and despite improving performances this year, their playoff chances look bleak. Sunil Gavaskar, former India captain, and batting legend, has delivered a blunt message to Rohit Sharma, who is also struggling with form.
Mumbai Indians suffered their second consecutive defeat on Tuesday night, falling to Gujarat Titans by 55 runs in Ahmedabad. The side suffered a poor bowling effort after the Titans batted first, conceding 76 runs in the final four overs of the innings, as the defending champions posted a mammoth score of 207/6 in 20 overs. MI was restricted to 152/9 in the run-chase due to a lack of strong partnerships in the middle overs.
The MI had a disastrous start to the season, losing by eight wickets to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first game; in seven games, they’ve lost three, and their chances of qualifying are now bleak, with the likes of Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans putting in consistent performances.
So far this season, Rohit has scored 181 runs in seven matches, and Gavaskar believes it’s time for the MI captain to “take a break.”
“I would like to see some changes in the batting order [for the Mumbai Indians],” Gavaskar said on Star Sports, according to ESPNCricinfo.
“Honestly, I think Rohit should take a break for the time being and focus on getting ready for the World Test Championship [final].” [He] can return for the final few matches, but for now, [he should] take a break.”
“He appears to be a little preoccupied.” “I don’t know if he’s thinking about the WTC [final] at this point,” Gavaskar said. “However, I believe that at this point, he needs to take a break and then return for the last three or four matches so that he is in rhythm for the World Test Championship [final].”
Gavaskar went on to say that MI would need a “miracle” to make the playoffs.
It will take a miracle, according to Gavaskar, for them to be eligible for the IPL playoffs. “Yes, they could theoretically finish at number four the way they are right now, but they will have to play some extraordinary cricket, both batting, and bowling,” the coach said.
