Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mark Boucher didn’t agree that captain Rohit Sharma should be given a break from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 so that he can be ready for the all-important upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Mumbai Indians coach also made it clear that Rohit has not asked for rest yet and he is available to play as well. However, Rohit has scored 181 runs in seven matches in IPL 2023 so far, at an average of 25.86 and a strike rate of 135.07 as well.
At a press conference before MI’s match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, April 30, Boucher said: “No, I don’t think he should take rest. That’s not my call to make. Obviously, we want Rohit playing, because he’s a very good player, and a leader as well, If it is the best for Rohit, and he comes up to me and says ‘you know, I need a bit of a break’ then yes, we will address that, and I will consider that. He hasn’t done that.“So yes at the moment, if he is available to play, he will play.”
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Meanwhile, Sunday will be special for Rohit Sharma. He will lead MI in Mumbai on his 36th birthday. He has also been in charge of the franchise for 10 years now. While speaking about Rohit’s growth as a cricketer and leader, Boucher stated:
“He has been great. I used to always enjoy watching Rohit bat, sometimes from behind the stumps as well. I have played a bit of cricket with him and watched him grow into a quality cricketer but also a good leader. It’s going to be nice for him. It’s his birthday as well, so a big moment for him.”
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“I think Rohit is in good form. He has been hitting the ball really well in the nets. Just the other day, he got some good runs for us. He’s playing a nice and aggressive brand of cricket. He’s fulfilled the role that we have needed him to fulfill in this season so far. If Rohit plays aggressively like he has, he can be devastating for any opposition,” Mark Boucher concluded.
