Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has backed Rohit Sharma amid the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. There has been a lot of criticism around his poor form and question marks raised over his place in the Mumbai Indians team as well. However, Michael Clarke said that Rohit is still a first-choice player in the Mumbai Indians team as well.

“I think I heard on the plane on social media someone was talking about Rohit’s missed out the first two games for Mumbai, should they pick him? I’m like what? He’s still your first-pick player in that Mumbai team. He’s opening the batting. His batting is still quality. His leadership quality for Hardik and the rest of that Mumbai team is so important,” he said on Backstage with Boria.

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Rohit Sharma has scored only 21 runs from 3 matches so far in the season, and he has struggled to score recently. However, Michael Clarke further added that Rohit is the kind of player who would step up whenever needed.

“Form is temporary class is permanent. The best players in the world are the best or a reason. Its the longevity, its through the highs through the lows. You pick yourself up when you are not performing, you go and do the work to get back into form and you go and make runs to make your team win. Rohit Sharma would do that,” he shared. “Virat Kohli is the same. He has had form slumps but it is because he is such a great player. Expectations are so high. We think he can walk out to bat and make a hundred every single day. That’s not the game. You’re playing Test cricket, one-day cricket, IPL. Three different formats.”

Meanwhile, Michael Clarke also commented on RCB star batter Virat Kohli. He also said that Kohli is batting beautifully and has started his IPL season well.

“I reckon Virat’s playing beautifully. Champions Trophy, he’s started this IPL really well. I know he’ll be loving opening the batting as well,” he concluded.