Mumbai Indians will take on defending champions Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 2 of the 2023 Indian Premier League on Friday. Mumbai registered a huge 81-run win in the eliminator match against Lucknow Super Giants. The 29-year-old uncapped Indian pacer Akash Madhwal emerged as the hero for MI (5/5 in 3.3 overs). However, there is still a concern for the five-time champions. The concern is Rohit Sharma’s recent poor form. He hasn’t been able to perform for his team but this is the time for him to finally step up. Virender Sehwag is not happy about his batting approach and gave some statements to Cricbuzz.
Rohit did show signs of a comeback in his quickfire 57-run knock in Mumbai’s do-or-die match against Sunrisers Hyderabad last week. He threw away his wicket carelessly yet again against LSG. Former India opener Virender Sehwag expressed his feelings at Rohit’s dismissal, insisting that the MI captain is trying to be too aggressive. Sehwag further advised Rohit to be “patient.”
“I’m not happy with his batting,” Virender Sehwag on Rohit Sharma’s batting approach
“I’m not happy with his batting. He’s trying to do a lot of things. If you’ve already scored 30 runs in three overs, just why will you try scoring another 20 in the next over itself? If he stands there, he will keep getting loose balls. What he’s doing, is, he’s forcibly trying to hits fours and sixes off good deliveries. He’s stepping out and getting out. If he waits and shows patience, it will reward him,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.
“The day he scored 57 runs, he wasn’t going after the bowlers. Muralitharan says one thing, whether you’re a batter or bowler, you need to have patience. So, Rohit needs to show some patience. If you’re chasing a 200+ score, that’s a different thing. But you’re batting first, give yourself time. So, I’m not really happy with his batting right now,” he further said.
MI’s opponents for Qualifier 2 Gujarat Titans would like to make a strong return after a disappointing loss against Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier earlier this week.
