LSG vs MI Live: Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori is open to the notion of an out-of-form Rohit Sharma being moved down the batting order for the remainder of the IPL 2022 season. Vettori believes that batting at No. 3 or No. 4 rather than beginning the batting order for the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain might provide a new impetus to his game and “may simply free him up.
Since hitting 42 against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the team’s opening encounter of the season, Rohit has seemed to be torn between playing sensibly and taking the attack to the bowlers early in the season. After scoring three single-digit runs in the previous six games, including a duck in the most recent match against the Chennai Super Kings, he has failed to surpass the 30-run threshold in his past six outings (CSK).
Vettori said this in an interview with ESPNcricinfo before the Mumbai Indians’ match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) scheduled for Sunday. Although he acknowledged that it would be a tough choice to make given Rohit starts the batting for India, he also said that following MI’s seven consecutive defeats, “it could be the perfect solution” to change the tide.
What Lynn said:
He went on to explain: “As we’ve seen in the past, some have been down at three or four, and it may just free him up by removing him from a position that he’s been used to. I believe that with Rohit Sharma, who opens for India and is also the leader of the team, it is difficult to drop oneself down the order in these scenarios. However, given the season they have had, this may be the best course of action.”
Chris Lynn, an Australian batsman who has previously opened the batting for the Mumbai Indians with Rohit, too expressed his thoughts on the matter during the same session. He disagreed with Vettori, stating that the captain did not need a change in batting position. But rather that he should take “a vacation” from bio-bubbles to play with the freedom of the game.
Lynn expressed herself as follows:
“Over the course of the IPL, we’ve seen him go through several slumps and go up and down the batting order. But in the end, he has his status as India’s opening batter. As a result of bubble tiredness, I believe he’s a little deflated. He does need a break, after all, he is a human being. However, I believe that the best position for him to bat and play with that freedom is at the top of the order.”
As a middle-order hitter, Rohit’s record in the IPL is somewhat better. At No. 4, where he has made the most runs in the competition. He has a 32.77 average and a 128.67 strikeout rate. Both jump up to 33.12 and 143.62 respectively at No. 5, where he has only played five innings thus far. As an opener, his average and strike rate are 30.25 and 129.11, respectively.
LSG vs MI: “It’s a chance to put some young guys through their paces,” says Chris Lynn
The Mumbai Indians are all but eliminated from contention for the playoffs. Even if they win their next seven games, they will have to rely on other outcomes to finish in the top four. Finding motivation in such circumstances may be difficult. But Lynn says that MI should use the scenario as an opportunity to explore alternative combinations, take a closer look at individuals such as Tim David, and provide opportunities to young players on the bench.
He said, “I believe it is a chance to test out the young players while also making use of the pricey players who were purchased at the auction. For me, it’s a no-brainer in such a situation. Make use of your Tim Davids and your expensive players. That is exactly what they are there for.”
The Wankhade Stadium will open its doors for the Mumbai Indians’ match against the Lucknow Super Giants at 7:30 p.m. IST.
