Things haven't gone according to plan for Rohit Sharma & Co. as India unexpectadly crashed out against the Kiwis in the three-match Test series and were severly jolted to its core. The devastating series defeat has caused a crisis like situation to develop in the Indian camp. As the nation and it's fans try to come in terms with the ongoing situation, all eyes will be on Rohit and how he pulls his side out of misery as they prepare to face the battle-hardened Australians in the upcoming BGT tour down under.

With the WTC qualification chances also in jeopardy, there are moutning concerns than hopes as to how India can get their campaign back on track in this ongoing WTC cycle. Despite enduring such diificulties, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has utmost belief in Rohit's ability to lead the Indian side to glory in the fourthcoming BGT tour.     

Dhawan's special relationship with Rohit and why he remains hopeful

Rohit and Dhawan both have a fair share of extraordinary batting memories. The duo formed one of the most deadliest opening pairs in Indian cricket history. Dhawan vividly remembers the partnership he had with Rohit in one of the league matches of the 2013 Champions Trophy edition against South Africa. Dhawan went on to smash a century in that match on a challenging seaming wicket and Rohit too played his role of a pinch-hitter at the top shamshing eight fours and one six. That partnership helped India set the tone for a gigantic first innings total and as a result, India emerged victorious in that game by a decisive margin of 26 runs.  

Dhawan has observed Rohit a lot closely during his playing days and he remains fully optimistic of his true capabilities. The retired Indian batter believes that the Indian skipper will come good and peak just when his side requires him to deliver the much needed goods. India have previously triumphed in the earlier two BGT editions in Australia. Virat was the first Indian captain to lead India to their first-ever Test series win on Aussie soil in 2018-19 while India, under Rahane's leadership went on to win the 2020-21 series by 2-1. Now it is time for Rohit Sharma and team to register the third consecetive BGT series win on the trot. 

The final match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, is shaping up to be a nail-biting encounter. This match is crucial for both teams, with India looking to reclaim glory and South Africa aiming for their maiden T20 World Cup title.

First over highlights

The match kicked off with Virat Kohli smashing three fours off Marco Jansen in the first over, signaling India’s aggressive intent. Kohli’s quickfire runs gave India a promising start, thrilling fans and putting pressure on the South African bowlers.

See Also: [Watch] “Hope for even bounce on an interesting surface” : Pitch report from Barbados ahead or T20 World Cup 2024 Final, South Africa vs India

Second over setback

However, the second over brought a significant setback for India. Keshav Maharaj dismissed Rohit Sharma, who had been instrumental in India’s previous victories. Shortly after, Rishabh Pant fell for a second-ball duck, attempting a sweep shot that resulted in a top edge caught by Quinton de Kock. This double blow severely dented India’s progress.

Early dominance by South Africa

South Africa capitalized on their early breakthroughs. Keshav Maharaj’s double-wicket over changed the dynamics of the game, putting India on the back foot. Kagiso Rabada further compounded India’s troubles by trapping Suryakumar Yadav in the fifth over with a well-placed delivery that was caught at deep backward square leg.

Rabada’s crucial wicket

Rabada’s dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav was a masterstroke. The back-of-length delivery aimed at Surya’s body forced an error, leading to an easy catch for the fielder. This wicket left India reeling and highlighted Rabada’s importance in South Africa’s bowling lineup.

Virat Kohli’s role

With India three wickets down, the onus was on Virat Kohli to stabilize the innings. Kohli’s experience and composure in such high-pressure situations made him the ideal candidate to anchor the innings.

Axar Patel’s contribution

Axar Patel, known for his all-round abilities, played a crucial role in India’s recovery. His previous performances had shown his capability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball. Patel’s calm demeanor and strategic shot selection were vital in supporting Kohli and rebuilding India’s innings.

India’s batting line-up

Despite the early loss, India has depth in its batting order. Players like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja are still to come; they are capable of scoring runs quickly and changing the course of the game. Their role will be important in the last overs.

Most wickets in the powerplay this tournament

The players with the most wickets in the powerplay this tournament are Fazalhaq Farooqi with 10 wickets, Naveen-ul-Haq with 8 wickets, Tanzim Hasan Sakib with 7 wickets, and KG Rabada with 7 wickets.

In the T20 World Cup semifinal against England on Thursday, June 27, Rohit Sharma delivered yet another outstanding performance with the bat. The India captain scored a brilliant 57 runs off just 39 balls, setting a strong foundation for the team after being put in to bat by the England skipper.

Early wickets and Rohit’s resilience

India faced early setbacks with the quick dismissals of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. Kohli, struggling with form, managed only 9 runs before being bowled by Reece Topley. Pant also fell cheaply, putting pressure on the team. However, Rohit Sharma rose to the occasion, steering the innings with his aggressive and fluent batting.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024, 2nd Semi-Final, India vs England: Rare failure for Virat Kohli in ICC knockout stage

A captain’s knock

Rohit took the attack to the English bowlers, maintaining a high scoring rate and ensuring India stayed competitive. His 57-run knock was not only crucial in the context of the match but also significant as he became the first Indian captain to score a half-century in T20 World Cup knockout stages. His dismissal came after an impressive display, but he had already set the stage for a strong Indian performance.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma on Thursday became only the fifth Indian captain to score 5000 international runs while leading the side across formats. Rohit, who already has over 19,000 runs to his name across the three formats, has now scored 5013 runs from 122 matches he’s led India in. He crossed the milestone while batting against England in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal.

Fan reactions

Rohit Sharma’s fantastic batting performance earned him praise from fans and cricket enthusiasts. His ability to lead from the front and deliver under pressure highlighted his importance to the team and his exceptional form in the tournament.

The Mumbai Indians (MI) are ending a challenging season with their final game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Wankhede Stadium on Friday, May 17. With only four wins in 14 games, MI finds itself at the bottom of the table, a stark contrast to their usual dominance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As if the poor performance wasn’t enough, speculation is rife that this could be Rohit Sharma’s last season with the franchise.

Rohit Sharma’s Journey with Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma joined the Mumbai Indians in 2011 and quickly became the face of the franchise. Taking over as captain in 2013, he led MI to their first IPL title. Under his leadership, MI won five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the league’s history. His impact on the franchise is immeasurable as a player and leader.

See Also: Gambhir approached by BCCI to become next head coach of India team

Rohit Sharma began his IPL journey with the Deccan Chargers, winning the IPL in 2009. He moved to Mumbai Indians in 2011, and his leadership from 2013 onwards brought unprecedented success to the franchise. With five IPL titles under his belt, Rohit stands alongside MS Dhoni as one of the most decorated captains in IPL history.

The 2024 Season: A Challenging Year

The 2024 season has been particularly tough for MI. The team struggled to find form and consistency, leading to a disappointing performance throughout the tournament. A significant change came when Hardik Pandya was named captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. Despite the change in leadership, the team’s fortunes did not improve.

Speculations about Rohit Sharma Leaving MI

Rumours about Rohit Sharma leaving MI gained traction after a video showed a conversation between Rohit and KKR coaching staff member Abhishek Nayar. Although the crowd noise made it hard to hear, Rohit seemed to hint at his departure. KKR quickly deleted the video, but it had already sparked widespread speculation.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore downplayed the incident, stating that the conversation was out of context. However, the timing of the video, combined with MI’s poor season, has led many to believe that Rohit might be considering a new chapter in his career.

The Final Match at Wankhede Stadium

The match against LSG is not just another game; it’s potentially Rohit Sharma’s last appearance in MI colours. Fans eagerly anticipate his performance, hoping for one final masterclass from their beloved captain. Rohit’s innings of 68 runs off 38 balls, including ten boundaries and three sixes, was a testament to his enduring talent and fighting spirit.

If this truly is Rohit Sharma’s last season with MI, it marks the end of an era. His contributions have given fans countless memories and moments to cherish. From his match-winning performances to calm leadership, Rohit’s presence will be sorely missed by MI supporters.

Rohit Sharma’s Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Rohit Sharma’s future in the IPL is uncertain. With the mega auction on the horizon, he might put his name in the pool, seeking a fresh start with a new franchise. His immediate focus, however, is the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. As the Indian skipper, he will be among the first players to leave for the USA, where India’s campaign begins on June 5.

Rohit Sharma IPL Captaincy Record

Matches as Captain: 158

Won: 87

Lost: 67

Tied: 4

No Result: 0

Winning Percentage: 55.06%

Rohit Sharma Stats as Captain in IPL

Matches: 158

Runs: 3986

Highest Score: 98 not out off 65 balls vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015

Hundreds: 0

Fifties: 25

Ducks: 11

Sixes: 157

Fours: 372

Catches: 55

Rohit Sharma Overall Stats in IPL

Matches: 257

Runs: 6628

Highest Score: 109*

Hundreds: 2

Fifties: 43

Sixes: 280

Fours: 599 Catches: 101

Speculations are rife within the cricketing fraternity regarding Rohit Sharma‘s future in T20 internationals, with reports suggesting that the Indian cricket stalwart might be on the brink of bidding adieu to the shortest format of the game. The looming T20 World Cup has intensified discussions surrounding Rohit’s retirement, especially in light of recent developments surrounding the team’s leadership dynamics.

Reports of Retirement: The End of an Era?

Recent reports from Dainik Jagran have hinted that Rohit Sharma may retire from T20Is following the conclusion of the upcoming T20 World Cup. This revelation has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, as Rohit’s prowess in the format and his invaluable contributions to the Indian team are widely acknowledged and celebrated.

See Also: Netherlands announce squad for T20 World Cup

The decision regarding Rohit’s T20I future appears to be closely linked to the selection and elevation of Hardik Pandya within the Indian cricket setup. Despite purported concerns over his recent performances, Hardik’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad and his appointment as vice-captain has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation regarding the team’s long-term strategy.

Mumbai Indians’ Leadership Shift: Rohit vs. Hardik

Tensions between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have been palpable, particularly within the Mumbai Indians franchise. The abrupt transition of leadership from Rohit to Hardik at MI has been met with scepticism and scrutiny, with the move carrying significant implications for both players and the team’s dynamics.

Reports suggest that the decision to anoint Hardik as captain has yet to be universally embraced, with divisions emerging among players and fans alike. While overseas players may be more accepting of Hardik’s leadership, domestic talents reportedly continue to look up to Rohit. This sentiment underscores the complexities of team dynamics and player relationships.

Impact on IPL 2024: Performance and Leadership

The leadership transition at Mumbai Indians has coincided with a turbulent IPL 2024 campaign for the franchise, with Rohit and Jasprit Bumrah allegedly expressing concerns over Hardik’s captaincy. Hardik’s handling of young talent like Tilak Varma has further exacerbated tensions within the team, potentially impacting on-field performances.

Selection Controversy: The Pressure Factor

Reports have hinted at internal discord within the BCCI selection panel regarding Hardik’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Despite reservations from individuals like Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar, external pressures purportedly influenced the decision, with the belief that Hardik represents India’s future captaincy aspirations in T20Is.

Following India’s exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli temporarily shifted from T20Is to focus on ODI cricket. However, their subsequent return to the T20I fold hinted at a potential resurgence, only to be overshadowed by the emergence of Hardik Pandya as a pivotal figure in the team’s leadership hierarchy.

Hardik’s Struggles: Question Marks Over Leadership

Hardik Pandya’s struggles in IPL 2024 have added another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate surrounding his leadership credentials. With his form dwindling and impact diminishing, doubts persist regarding his suitability as India’s future T20I captain—a role that carries immense responsibility and scrutiny.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have endured mixed fortunes in IPL 2024, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by periods of inconsistency. As stalwarts of the Mumbai Indians franchise, their performances in the tournament have come under heightened scrutiny, offering glimpses into their respective mindsets and capabilities.

India’s Dilemma: Investing in Hardik as Captain

The Indian cricket team faces a problem regarding the future of its T20I leadership, with Hardik Pandya’s selection as vice-captain prompting soul-searching within the setup. The decision to invest in Hardik as a potential captain reflects the team management’s long-term vision, yet uncertainties persist regarding his readiness for the role.

As the T20 World Cup approaches, Team India must navigate the delicate balance between experience and potential, weighing the contributions of seasoned campaigners like Rohit Sharma against the promise of emerging talents like Hardik Pandya. The path forward is fraught with complexities and uncertainties, requiring careful consideration and strategic planning.

Rohit Sharma, an emblematic figure in cricket, continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport. From his early days in international cricket to leading India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, Rohit’s journey is a compelling story of growth and greatness.

Early Days in International Cricket

Rohit Sharma was pivotal in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup victory, a tournament that saw him evolve from a promising youngster to a crucial team player. His crucial fifty against South Africa showcased his budding talent.

See Also: Chamari Athapaththu leads Sri Lanka to achieve the highest chase in Women’s ODIs

Recently, a video shared by MI captured a nostalgic moment for Rohit as he reminisced over a picture from his youth, humorously noting his then struggle to grow a beard. This moment of reflection highlighted not only personal growth but also his extensive journey in professional cricket.

Rohit was seen in the video calling himself ‘a small boy’ and would also talk about how he had struggled to get a beard at that time.

“Small boy. No beard. I was struggling to get a beard,” said Rohit.

Rohit Sharma in IPL 2024

The 2024 IPL season has seen Rohit excel spectacularly. His performance, particularly a commanding 105 off 63 balls against CSK, underscored his enduring skill and pivotal role in the team, despite MI’s fluctuating success under new captaincy.

Record-Breaking Feats

Rohit’s innings against CSK was not just a display of dominance but also a record-setting moment, as he became the first Indian to hit 500 sixes in T20s. This milestone is a testament to his exceptional power-hitting capabilities.

Throughout the season, Rohit has been among the top run-getters, amassing 261 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 52.20 and a strike rate of 167.31, his best in IPL.

Rohit’s record-breaking performance against CSK also saw him surpass Suresh Raina to become the highest run-scorer in MI vs CSK encounters

Leadership and Legacy

As the 2024 T20 World Cup approaches, expectations are high for Rohit to lead India with the same fervor and success. His journey from a ‘small boy’ in cricket to a leading figure is not just inspiring but also a beacon for upcoming talents.

The Mumbai Indians, a powerhouse in the Indian Premier League (IPL), find themselves in a precarious position in the IPL 2024 season. Despite being five-time champions, they have failed to secure a win in the tournament so far, having played three games.

Rohit Sharma’s Innings

Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai Indians’ batting maestro, commenced the innings with aggression alongside Ishan Kishan. Together, they provided a scintillating start to MI by amassing 75 runs in the power play without losing a wicket. Rohit’s innings showcased glimpses of his brilliance, with aggressive stroke play and impeccable timing, indicating his intent to guide his team to a formidable total.

See Also: IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals win the toss against Mumbai Indians; choose to bowl first

However, Rohit’s innings was cut short agonizingly close to a fifty, falling prey to Axar Patel’s crafty bowling. Attempting to advance down the ground to secure a single, Rohit misjudged the delivery, losing his off-stump in the process. Rohit scored 49 runs off 27 balls

The dismissal highlighted the pressure mounting on Rohit as he approached the milestone, evident from his uncharacteristic attempts to break free from a streak of dot balls.

Match Preview: Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals

In an important fixture for both teams, the Mumbai Indians are set to clash with the Delhi Capitals. Skipper Rishabh Pant, winning the toss, opted to bowl first, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.

Toss and Decision

Rishabh Pant’s decision to bowl first suggests a strategic approach, aiming to capitalize on any early breakthroughs against the formidable Mumbai Indians batting lineup.

Performance in Previous Matches

Rohit Sharma’s performance in the preceding matches of IPL 2024 has been inconsistent. After starting his season with a 43-run knock against Gujarat Titans, Rohit Sharma managed to score 26 versus SRH. In the 3^rd game against Rajasthan Royals, the veteran batter was out for a duck to shock his home fans.

Rohit Sharma, the stalwart of Indian cricket, is in a distinctive role as he enters the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. After a decade-long stint as the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), during which he led the team to an unprecedented five IPL titles, Rohit steps aside from the captaincy, making way for the return of Hardik Pandya. This season marks a significant shift as Rohit will solely focus on his batting prowess, relinquishing the leadership responsibilities.

After ten successful years, the decision to step down from the captaincy role signifies a new chapter in Rohit Sharma’s IPL journey. Known for his astute leadership and tactical acumen, Rohit’s decision reflects a strategic move by the MI management, allowing him to concentrate solely on his batting abilities. This transition relieves Rohit from the pressures of captaincy and presents an opportunity for him to excel as a pure batter.

See Also: IPL 2024: Sameer Rizvi speaks about the advice he got from MS Dhoni

Milestone 1: Approaching 200 IPL Matches for MI

One of the significant milestones for Rohit Sharma is the prospect of becoming the first cricketer to play 200 IPL matches for MI. He stands just one match away from achieving this feat, further solidifying his legacy with the franchise. Rohit’s longevity and consistency make him a revered figure in the MI camp, setting him apart as one of the most capped players in IPL history.

Rohit Sharma is the joint-second most capped player (244) in the league history, alongside RCB’s Dinesh Karthik. But 45 of those came in association with Deccan Chargers in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Pollard is the second player who has made the most number of appearances for MI (189). CSK talisman MS Dhoni, who holds the record for the most number of IPL matches (252), and Virat Kohli are the only two players to have played 200 or more matches for a single franchise in their career.

Milestone 2: Quest for 500 Sixes

Another milestone beckoning Rohit Sharma is the pursuit of 500 sixes in T20 cricket, a testament to his power-hitting prowess. With 487 sixes to his name, Rohit is tantalizingly close to reaching this landmark, thereby etching his name in the annals of cricketing history. As the first Indian player to achieve this feat, Rohit’s dominance with the bat undeniably positions him as a formidable force in the shortest-game format.

Rohit Sharma is 13 sixes shy of becoming the first Indian player to hit 500 sixes in the shorter format of the game. With 487 sixes currently in his account, the ‘Hitman’ is way ahead of second-placed Virat Kohli with 371 maximums.

Only three players in history have achieved the feat of 500 sixes, with Universal boss Chris Gayle leading the chart with 1065 runs. Pollard is second on the list with 860 sixes followed by another West Indian Andre Russell with 668 sixes.

Milestone 3: 100 Catches

Beyond statistical achievements, Rohit Sharma’s impact transcends numbers. As the poster boy of the Mumbai Indians, he has embodied the franchise’s ethos, leading them to unprecedented success over the years. His tenacity, resilience, and leadership qualities endeared him to fans and teammates, establishing him as a revered figure in Indian cricketing folklore.

Rohit is currently the outfielder with the fourth-most catches in IPL history, having bagged 98 catches in 243 innings. He is just two grabs short of becoming only the fourth player ever to complete 100 IPL catches.

Historical Context of Rohit’s IPL Career

Rohit Sharma’s journey in the IPL has been nothing short of spectacular. Since joining the MI franchise in 2011, he has emerged as one of the most iconic figures in the league’s history. Under his captaincy, MI has dominated the IPL landscape, clinching five titles and establishing itself as a force to reckon with. Besides his leadership exploits, Rohit’s batting prowess has been instrumental in MI’s success, amassing over 5000 runs, including a memorable century.

Comparison with Other IPL Stalwarts

In the pantheon of IPL stalwarts, Rohit Sharma stands tall among his peers. His tenure as MI captain and his batting exploits place him in elite company alongside legends like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers. Rohit’s ability to thrive under pressure and deliver match-winning performances underscores his status as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation.

With the burden of captaincy lifted off his shoulders, IPL 2024 could witness the resurgence of the vintage “Hitman.” Freed from the responsibilities of leading the side, Rohit Sharma might unleash his aggressive strokeplay with renewed vigor, potentially translating into significant runs for MI. This shift in focus could allow Rohit to rediscover his form and showcase his true batting potential, much to the delight of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

As IPL 2024 unfolds, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma as he embarks on a new journey as a specialist batter. With the weight of captaincy lifted off his shoulders, Rohit can showcase his batting prowess like never before. Expectations are high for the “Hitman” to leave an indelible mark on the tournament with his sublime strokeplay and unwavering consistency, reaffirming his status as a modern-day cricketing icon.