NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has drawn attention to the concerning dip in form of Mumbai Indians' opener, Rohit Sharma, a worry echoed by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike, with ramifications stretching beyond the IPL franchise to the upcoming T20 World Cup for the Indian team.
In the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, chasing a modest target of 174 runs, Rohit Sharma's struggles at the crease persisted as he departed for a mere four runs off five deliveries.
This dismal performance adds to a string of low scores for the former Mumbai Indians' captain since his stellar century against Chennai Super Kings on April 14th.
Sharma's subsequent scores of 6 against Rajasthan Royals, 8 against Delhi Capitals, 4 against Lucknow Super Giants, 11 against Kolkata Knight Riders, and the latest 4 against SRH, reflecting a worrying trend of consistently falling into single-digit scores.
"The new ball moved and Ishan Kishan got out. Marco Jansen dismissed him. Pat Cummins came and dismissed Rohit Sharma. There is a massive difference between Rohit Sharma's first six matches and last five matches. He is going in single digits in the last five matches and that is a real worry," Chopra said on his Youtube Channel.
"Honestly, Rohit Sharma's form is needed for both the Mumbai Indians and the Indians," Chopra asserted, emphasizing the critical role Sharma plays not only for his IPL franchise but also for the Indian team's prospects in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Sharma's dismissal against SRH, where he attempted a big shot off Pat Cummins only to be caught behind by Heinrich Klaasen, epitomized his struggles in finding his rhythm and timing at the crease.
1/9:Suryakumar Yadav helps Mumbai Indians stun Sunrisers Hyderabad
<p>Suryakumar Yadav helps Mumbai Indians stun Sunrisers Hyderabad</p>AFP
2/9:Seven-wicket victory
<p>Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten century propelled Mumbai Indians to a seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.</p>AFP
3/9:SKY on top
<p>Yadav's stunning 102 off 51 balls included six sixes and 12 boundaries at Wankhede Stadium.</p>AFP
4/9:Losing streak ended
<p>Depleted by the drop in results since start of the tournament, Mumbai Indians ended a four-match losing streak with this emphatic win.</p>AFP
5/9:Bowlers shine
<p>Captain Hardik Pandya and leg-spinner Piyush Chawla starred with 3 wickets each, restricting Hyderabad to 173-8.</p>AFP
6/9:Improved standing
<p>Despite a horrendous start to the season, Mumbai jumped from last to second to last position on the IPL table with the win over SRH.</p>AFP
7/9:Playoff hopes
<p>Hyderabad's playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, needing two wins from their last three home games.</p>AFP
8/9:A partner in Tilak
<p>Yadav's partnership with Tilak Varma, scoring 37 off 32 balls, sealed the game for Mumbai.</p>AFP
