Sanjay Manjrekar raises questions about former MI captain Rohit Sharma’s batting in T20 cricket

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar commented on all-rounder Hardik Pandya being appointed as the Mumbai Indians captain. Sanjar expressed concerns about Rohit Sharma’s batting performances before the IPL 2024.
Hardik Pandya returned to his former team after 2 years in a trade last month. The all-rounder was released by the franchise before the mega auction for IPL 2022. He was named captain of the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024, succeeding Rohit Sharma in the role.

The 30-year-old led the GT to their first title in their maiden season in 2022. He captained the Ahmedabad-based franchise to the final in the 2023 season but suffered a loss during the thrilling last-ball encounter against the CSK.

Rohit Sharma will remain part of the 5 times IPL champions despite being removed from leadership duties. Rohit’s removal from the captaincy sparked discussions in the cricketing community. He led the franchise to 5 titles in the history of the IPL.

Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah Looking To Leave? MI Official’s Blunt Take On Rumours

According to the Indian Express report, the Mumbai franchise informed the 36-year-old about the captaincy change during the 2023 World Cup. The Indian skipper accepted the decision made by the franchise and left the matter in the hands of the franchise management.

Rohit Sharma Has Shown Promise – Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized the need for Suryakumar Yadav to deliver consistently in the upcoming season. He also raised questions about Rohit Sharma’s T20 form, highlighting the challenges in transitioning to the faster-paced T20 format.

“Ishan Kishan, from a couple of seasons before MI paid the big bucks… he is in the same kind of form. Tim David is still trying to fill the shoes of Kieron Pollard. On form, one player that you can maybe depend on, the player who you can expect to come good, is Suryakumar Yadav,” said Sanjay Manjrekar on Hotstar during a commentary stint during India’s 2nd ODI against South Africa.

“Rohit Sharma, for me, as a batter, is a question mark in T20 cricket. has shown promise, the way he played in the fifty-over World Cups. But that’s a completely different format when you know you have fifty overs. They bat in that fashion. Bowlers just bowl differently in 50 overs as well,” he said further.

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav ‘Heart Break’, Fan Burns MI Cap and Jersy After Rohit Sharma’s Removal From The Captaincy

Rohit Sharma Last Played For India In T20Is In 2022

Rohit Sharma has been absent from the T20I squad since India’s loss to England in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final. Hardik has taken the leadership role for the Indian team in T20Is. India will only play one T20I series before the World Cup.

The veteran opener showcased exceptional batting skills in the ODI World Cup 2023, contributing significantly to India’s campaign. He scored 597 runs at an average of 54.27 and a strike rate of 125.95. Despite his performances, the team couldn’t secure the title.