IPL 2023: Rohit Sharma likely to miss few matches to manage workload; Suryakumar Yadav to be stand-in captain

Mumbai Indians (MI) regular skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to miss out on a few matches in the 16^th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in order to manage his workload. Furthermore, flamboyant batter Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side in Rohit’s absence.

It is understood that the skipper has decided to manage his workload in order to keep himself fit for the summit clash of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 cycle. Notably, team India will play the fierce rivals Australia in the finals of the red-ball ICC event at the Oval, in London, on June 7. 

According to a report by the Indian Express, Rohit is likely to pick and choose the IPL games he will play this season. However, he will continue to travel with the side and will guide Suryakumar Yadav, who will shoulder the leadership duties this season. Notably, during MI’s press conference on Wednesday, Rohit was quizzed if he would be rested for a few games upon which the skipper and the head coach, Mark Boucher, responded swiftly. 

“I will leave it to Mark (Boucher),” told Rohit in the press conference.

“If he (Rohit) wants we will rest him,” Boucher responded.

It’s all up to the franchises and players now: Rohit Sharma

Following the conclusion of the ODI series against the Aussies, Rohit insisted that it was up to the players and the IPL franchises to keep themselves fit for national duty. Plagued with injuries, Rohit stressed on workload management for the players ahead of the ICC events.  

The statements come in relation to team India’s participation in the ICC WTC final and will also host the forthcoming edition of the ODI World Cup in October-November, later this year.

“It’s all up to the franchises now. They own them now. We have given some indications to the teams, but at the end of the day, it’s up to the franchises. And more importantly, it’s up to the players. They are all adults; they have to look after their bodies. If they feel it’s getting a bit too much, they can talk about it and take a break in one or two games. I doubt if that will happen, but,” Rohit was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

Read the IPL schedule here