The head coach of Mumbai Indians (MI), Mark Boucher, expressed a different opinion on the suggestion that Rohit Sharma, the team’s captain, should take a break from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 to be better prepared for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Boucher clarified that Rohit has not requested any rest and that he will continue to play if he is available. Rohit has played seven IPL matches, scoring 181 runs at an average of 25.86 and a strike rate of 135.07, with one half-century.
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar recently recommended that Rohit take a break from the IPL to ensure his fitness for the WTC final.
During a press conference prior to Mumbai Indians’ match against Rajasthan Royals at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on April 30, Boucher expressed a different view, saying, “No, I don’t believe he should rest. It’s not up to me to decide. Obviously, we want Rohit to play because he’s a skilled player and a leader as well. If it’s in Rohit’s best interests, and he approaches me and says, ‘I need a break,’ then yes, we will consider it, and I will take that into account. However, he has not done so yet.”
The IPL 2023 final is scheduled for May 28, while the WTC final between India and Australia will take place at The Oval from June 7 to 11.
Sunday’s match will be a momentous occasion for Rohit, as he will lead MI in front of a home crowd on his 36th birthday. Additionally, the Hitman has been in charge of the franchise for the past ten years. At present, MI is in the ninth position in the IPL 2023 points table, having won three matches and lost four out of seven games played so far.