Just 88 runs in the last seven innings. That has been Rohit Sharma’s performance lately in the ongoing IPL. Alongside the other reasons, Rohit’s inability to contribute with the bat is also one reason behind Mumbai Indians’ debacle this year.
Besides, with only a few weeks remaining for the T20 World Cup, Rohit’s current form will be a serious concern for Team India, said Harbhajan Singh. According to the distinguished former India off-spinner, Rohit will be in a better frame of mind going into the showpiece event in the Caribbean and the United States if he gets good runs in MI’s last remaining game of this IPL, against Lucknow Super Giants on Friday.
Speaking at Star Sports Press Room on Monday, Harbhajan, who has represented India in 28 T20Is alongside his 103 Test and 236 ODI appearances, said: “Definitely, Rohit’s current form is a concern. In quite a few matches, he isn’t getting runs. Before going into the World Cup, hope he regains at least a bit of form in the remaining game as he’ll feel better and can then go there with a positive frame of mind.
Yuzvendra Chahal PTI
“Yes, lack of runs can also make you extra motivated. But when you are already amongst runs, you are like, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’”
Uncertainty over the nature of the pitches in the US, where India will be playing all their group-stage games of this T20 Cup, is also one factor which necessitates skipper Rohit’s good form, Harbhajan pointed out.
“If he doesn’t get back to scoring runs, then it could be a bit difficult for India because we don’t know the kind of pitches there (in the US). Maybe they will be a tad slow, sluggish since they are new grounds,” Harbhajan stated.
How leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has fared for Rajasthan Royals in this IPL (with 15 wickets) — barring a few matches where he looked a bit off-colour — has certainly impressed Harbhajan. Importantly, Chahal too is among India’s spin quartet for the upcoming World Cup.
“I have always believed that Yuzvendra Chahal is the only spinner to be bowling like a spinner in this IPL. He’s spinning the ball, has got that flight, variations and using them wisely.
“When I look at him and at the other spinners, there’s a vast difference. Of course, the narrative has changed. This year a lot of 200-plus scores have been posted, but Chahal has been the same bowler.
“No matter what, how you get people out remains the same. You need to have the will to give flight, spin the ball and showcase your variations when required, not just be a spinner looking to bowl dot balls.
"That’s not going to happen in this kind of a competition. You have to think of getting the batsman out. That’s what Chahal is doing,” Harbhajan emphasised.
‘Space’ for players
The visuals of an animated Lucknow team owner Sanjiv Goenka’s chat with captain KL Rahul after the Super Giants were crushed by Sunrisers Hyderabad last week had created quite a furore. Harbhajan feels that should have happened behind closed doors.
“We don’t know what was said there. Of course, one has every right to feel disappointed, but these things should happen behind closed doors. Also, there should be someone who acts as a bridge between owners and the players. The players should be given some space."