Former India captain as well as former head coach Ravi Shastri said on Tuesday, May 9 that Rohit Sharma should give himself a bit more time while batting at the top and not try to play fancy shots early on in his innings as well. However, Shastri’s comments came after Rohit faced the worst phase of his IPL career with the bat, having scored just 184 runs in 10 matches which came at an average of less than 20.

However, Rohit Sharma has managed only 5 runs in his last 4 innings, which includes two ducks as well. He has not been able to get into a rhythm, as he struggled to find his ideal pace at the top of the order as well.

“I think give yourself little bit more time. His shot selection is not the greatest. He mentioned he has a different role to play. But give yourself that little bit more time, his great strength is ability to play cricketing shots and he has more time than a lot of players in the world when it comes to playing the quicks. Back your strength, don’t try and be too cute too early. You have got all the shots in the book, you can make up later on. Just a little bit more time in the first 6 balls or so. Play more cricketing shots rather than trying to improvise early on,” Ravi Shastri said.

Meanwhile, former Australia player Tom Moody opined on Rohit Sharma taking a break and focusing on the World Test Championship, saying that it’s time for Rohit Sharma to lead his side from the front. However, Mumbai Indians are in the race of playoffs for the first time since IPL 2020. The 5-time IPL champions have won 5 and lost 5 and a win over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday will help them reach into the top 3 of the IPL 2023 points table.

“There is thought that he needs to have a game or two off. That was two weeks earlier. I think now, this side here is a side that is on the match for a spot in the playoffs. It’s not the time for Rohit Sharma to step back, but it’s the time for Rohit Sharma to find something deep,” Moody further added.