Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene says it’s just a “matter of time” before Rohit Sharma plays a big knock, something his team desperately need to arrest their slide in IPL-15. The MI captain has failed to capitalise on the starts, managing just 108 runs at an average of 21.60 this season.

“If you look at the way he starts, the way he hits the ball, it’s brilliant. He’s timing it, he’s getting some really, really good starts. Yes he’s disappointed as well, that he’s not being able to convert them,” Jayawardene said.

“We’ve seen Rohit batting deep, batting for 14-15 overs and getting those big scores. It’s just a matter of time. He’s a quality player and I am not concerned about the form.”

Mumbai Indians on Wednesday suffered a 12-run loss at the hands of Punjab Kings — their fifth successive defeat — to inch closer to elimination. Chasing 199, Rohit (28) and Ishan Kishan (3) got out cheaply as MI were found struggling at 32 for 2 in 4.1 overs.

Jayawardene admitted that injured Jofra Archer’s absence is hurting the team as the bowling unit has not been able to sustain the pressure.

“...obviously, one of the best bowlers that we’ve bought in the auction is Jof (Jofra Archer) — Jof is not here. So it is tough when you are in that kind of situation, but we are trying to see how best we can manage.

“In terms of the last four-five games, we’ve had some really good spells. But we cannot hold that pressure going on.”

The 44-year-old Sri Lankan said the idea was to give the youngsters more freedom in the middle as Suryakumar and Kieron Pollard dropped down the order and played the role of finishers.