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Mumbai Indians suffered a difficult loss against Gujarat Titans when they lost by 55 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 25. MI skipper Rohit Sharma got out cheaply once again to the bowling of opposing captain Hardik Pandya.
Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar on seeing the five-time champions failing to take a stand in the ongoing season, told one of the media outlets that he would like to see some changes in the Mumbai batting lineup and suggested that Mumbai and India captain Rohit Sharma should take a break. Gavaskar also opined that India & MI captain’s focus might not be fully on IPL.
“Honestly, I would also say that Rohit should maybe also take a break for the time being and keep himself fit for the World Test Championship [final]. [He can] come back again for the last few matches, but right now, [he should] take a little bit of a breather himself," Gavaskar was quoted. “He is looking just that little bit preoccupied. Maybe at this stage, he is thinking about the WTC [final], I don't know,” he further added.
It is to be noted that these remarks come after BCCI named a 15-member squad for the World Test Championship Final, which is scheduled to start on June 7 at The Oval where India will be facing Australia.
Gavaskar was also of the opinion that Mumbai is unlikely to reach the playoffs and they would have to play exceptional cricket to finish in the top four. MI lost to Gujarat as they failed to chase 207 as no one in the top six went past the 30-run mark except Cameron Green and they could only reach 152 in the 20 overs with a wicket in hand. In the bowling department, Piyush Chawla and Arjun Tendulkar were decent as everyone was hit around the park. They will next face Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals at home on Sunday, April 30.
