‘Rohit should maybe also take a break’ - Sunil Gavaskar advises Mumbai skipper to take a breather from ongoing IPL

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) got off to a rocky start for the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI). MI lost their first two games of the ongoing season and then bagged three consecutive wins before conceding two games on the trot yet again.

One of the biggest factors behind the team’s poor form is the underwhelming performance of skipper Rohit Sharma. In Mumbai’s last game against Gujarat Titans, Rohit only managed to score two runs during the run chase and was unable to make an impact and propel the side to a win.

Seeing the 35-year-old’s form, former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar has come forward and opined that the skipper should take a short break from the IPL. He reflected on the fact that the break may do a world of good to him, and Rohit could come back fresh for the last few matches of the tournament, and it could help him concentrate for the upcoming World Test Championship final as well. 

"I would like to see some change in the batting order [for Mumbai Indians]. 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 said on Star Sports.

It's going to be a miracle that's going to make them qualify: Gavaskar

Furthermore, Gavaskar also stressed the fact that it would take a miracle for Mumbai Indians to qualify for the playoffs given their current situation. He said, "It's going to be a miracle that's going to make them qualify [for the IPL playoffs]. The way they are at the moment, yes, they could conceivably finish [at number] four, but they will have to play some extraordinary cricket, both batting as well as bowling."

For their next assignment, Mumbai Indians take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, April 30. Considering Rajasthan's form, it could prove to be quite a challenge for the five-time champions to clinch a win.