A string of defeats in the first half of the season is nothing new for Mumbai, who lost both games before Tuesday’s away game against Delhi Capitals. Rohit made just 1 in Mumbai’s tournament opener (against Royal Challengers Bangalore) and then 21 in the home game against Chennai Super Kings.
“He is [Rohit] needs to revisit his role,” Shastri said on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time:Out on Tuesday. [Rohit has to] look again at how his batting approaches over time. In the sense that if he wants he can go a little hard in the first 3-4 overs but he also has to think about batting and staying there until the 14th or 15th [over] to get that 70. He must think of 70, and with a good success rate.’
In the past, Rohit has tried to play the aggressor, but with limited success. He has also tried to anchor the innings, but again not satisfactorily. Shastri has a “simple” solution. “One simple way to do it is [to] think, “I’m going to hit 50 balls no matter what.” Don’t think overs, think balls – “I want to play 50 balls. If I play 50, I think my team is in a good position.” So he’s going to challenge himself and try to play those 50 balls.”
Shastri felt Rohit was suitable at the top of the league table, but he has to lead a batting order that remains inexperienced apart from Suryakumar Yadav.
“Rohit Sharma said during the presentation in the last match that it is time for the senior players to take responsibility and take the mantle into their own hands including himself. He said that because we have seen too many 20s, 30s from Rohit You want him to keep going get that 70-80 which can have a huge impact on the way Mumbai Indians perform as a captain who scores runs not only makes his job easier but it will also improve the mind of that dug -out improve very quickly. for Rohit to fire, I think it is very important.”