BCCI president Sourav Ganguly believes it won’t be long before Rohit Sharma comes out of his lean patch, which was a big reason behind Mumbai Indians finishing rock bottom in IPL 2022.
Skipper Rohit aggregated a modest 268 runs at an average of 19.14 as the five-time champions managed only four victories this season.
Sourav, however, isn’t too worried with Rohit’s off form. On the sidelines of a promotional at a city hotel on Tuesday, Sourav said: “He will score runs in the days to come. It happens at times. They play so much of cricket that at times, they go through this kind of an off form.
“Virat (Kohli) played well in his last game, especially when it was required for RCB (in the must-win game versus Gujarat Titans). Besides, players like Rohit and Virat are greats, so it’s a matter of time before they are back at their best.”
Sourav also reminded everyone of Rohit’s overall record as captain. “His record as captain is outstanding. He has won five IPL titles, is also an Asia Cup winner and has led India well in every format. So it only reflects his outstanding record.
“At the same time, mistakes will happen because they are all human,” the former India captain said.
Talking about Rishabh Pant, Sourav feels one shouldn’t be too harsh with the young wicketkeeper-batsman on the basis of the error he committed by not going for the review in Delhi Capitals’ do-or-die game versus Mumbai Indians last Saturday.
A Shardul Thakur delivery took the edge of Tim David’s bat off the very first ball the latter faced. Shardul looked quite confident regarding the edge, yet Pant didn’t take the review. And thereafter, David hammered a 11-ball 34 that eventually took Mumbai home and crushed Delhi’s hopes of making the playoffs.
“Mistakes will happen. You are bound to make mistakes some day or the other when you are at the ground and captaining in one game after another.
“Everybody is human, nobody is perfect. So there will be mistakes,” Sourav argued.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s reviews used to be spot-on during most occasions, although Sourav feels it’s unfair to compare Pant with one of India’s most successful captains. “Don’t compare Pant with Dhoni, who has so much experience.”
Umran future
Young Umran Malik turned out to be a sensation in this IPL with his searing pace, finishing with 22 wickets in 14 matches though his team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, had an ordinary season. But for an even better future, Umran has to ensure he never compromises on his fitness, Sourav emphasised.
“Umran’s future is in his own hands. If he stays fit and keeps bowling at this pace, I’m sure he will be around for a long time,” Sourav said.
Sourav also named Rahul Tewatia, Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma, Rahul Tripathi, Mohsin Khan and Arshdeep Singh among those who have impressed this season alongside Umran. “All these guys have played well,” he said.
“There’s so much talent in this country that every year with the IPL, new talent gets found out,” Sourav said.
