Nothing wrong with Rohit Sharma's captaincy, bowlers let MI down: Graeme Swann

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has come out in support of Rohit Sharma following Mumbai Indians’ fifth successive defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The five-time champions have looked entirely down and out so far and a couple of more defeats would end their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. With MI enduring such a horrendous campaign, Rohit’s captaincy has also come under the scanner.

On Wednesday (April 13), the Rohit Sharma-led side lost to Mayank Agarwal’s Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 12 runs at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Several fans and experts criticized Rohit for not rotating the bowlers properly as PBKS posted 198/5 while batting first. Notably, MI fielded five proper bowlers in the game but even that didn’t help the Men in Blue and Gold.

Speaking on the same, Swann reckoned MI have been let down by their bowlers and criticizing Rohit won’t be fair. The 43-year-old further said that besides Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar spell, the rest of the MI bowlers were well below par against PBKS.

Should not think it was Rohit Sharma’s fault: Graeme Swann

“I am not happy that Rohit Sharma’s captaincy is questioned here, at all (97-run opening stand and PBKS scoring 198). I think the bowlers are low on confidence. There is a massive difference between a captain who can throw the ball to his bowlers, who can absolutely hit a length,” Swann said on Star Sports.

“Until Jasprit Bumrah came on and bowled a brilliant spell in the middle overs, the Mumbai bowlers were well below-par. So do not, for one second, start thinking it’s Rohit’s fault. Everybody he turned to bowled badly in the first 10 overs. That’s how it is,” he added.

It must be noted that Rohit is now India’s all-format captain and responsibilities have increased on his shoulders. Hence, many reckon that the same has taken a toll on him mentally. Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar even believes Rohit might hand over MI captaincy to Kieron Pollard midway through the season to concentrate on his batting.

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