Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss several matches of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to workload management. As per a report by the Indian Express, ace batter Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in Rohit’s absence.
This decision comes in light of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final in June and the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil during the October-November window.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also issued an informal directive to all the IPL franchises to handle their players carefully to avoid injuries.
The IPL franchises have been informed to monitor the workload of specific players, and the medical team is expected to be in touch with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaching staff.
Sharma’s Role in the IPL
Rohit Sharma will travel with the team and assist Suryakumar Yadav in leading the team when not part of the playing XI. The report also suggests that he will choose the matches he wants to play this season and sit out in the rest.
Explaining the workload management formula for Indian players during the IPL, Rohit Sharma said, “It’s all up to the franchises now. They own them now. We have given some indications to the teams, but at the end of the day, it’s up to the franchises. And more importantly, it’s up to the players.”
Yadav’s Records so Far
With Pollard retired and now the batting coach, Suryakumar Yadav has been elevated to the team’s leadership position. Yadav led the Mumbai Ranji team earlier and is also a part of the T20I leadership setup.
Suryakumar Yadav is considered one of the best T20I batters in the world, having scored more than 300 runs in each of his five seasons with the Mumbai Indians. In just eight games last year, he scored 303 runs with an average of 43.29 and a strike rate of 145.67.
Sharma’s Previous Absences
Rohit Sharma had to sit out India’s last tour of England due to an injury, with Jasprit Bumrah captaining the side in his absence. He also missed tours of South Africa and Bangladesh in the last 18 months. With the WTC final scheduled ten days after the IPL, Rohit is taking no chances with his fitness. His decision is also based on the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup.
Rohit previously missed some games in IPL 2020, with Kieron Pollard leading the Mumbai Indians.
India’s Current Status
Rohit Sharma is an important player for Team India, and his fitness and availability are crucial for India’s success in these tournaments.
India is already facing injury woes, with several key players, including Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah, already out of action. Therefore, it’s important to keep a check on the workload of players during the IPL to avoid further injuries.
In conclusion, the workload management of players during the IPL is crucial for Team India’s success in the upcoming tournaments.
Rohit Sharma’s decision to sit out some matches might impact the Mumbai Indians’ chances of winning their sixth IPL title, but it’s a wise decision to ensure the Indian team has its best players fit and ready for crucial upcoming assignments.
