IPL 2022 | Match 69: MI vs DC | It is time for Rohit to shine

Mumbai Indians (MI) are slated to take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 69th match of IPL 2022 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. While MI is already out of the tournament, the match will be a do-or-die contest for DC. A win in the match will mean that DC will be playing in the playoffs, while a defeat means RCB will be in the top 4 of the tournament.

The match is a ‘dead-rubber’ for MI, but their pride will be at stake. They will look to show the world why they have lifted the IPL title five times. 

Mumbai’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, has been a reflection of how the team has fared in the tournament. While Rohit has started well in most of the games, he has failed to capitalise on the start and has been unable to cross the 50-run mark in the tournament.

Arguably the most dangerous batter in white-ball cricket has looked way off his general cricketing abilities in IPL 2022.

Let us take a look at his records for IPL 2022

Rohit in IPL 2022: In the 13 matches that Rohit has played in IPL 2022, he has scored 266 runs at an average of 20.465 and a strike rate of 126.67. What is more concerning is that there is not a single 50+ score registered to his name in the tournament.

His batting form has been reflected in his captaincy as well. He has not looked the same proactive captain thinking ahead of the game. Instead, we have seen a laid-back version of the man playing catch-up in most matches.

MI will be taking the field against DC for the last time in IPL 2022 in an hour or so. The Men in Blue don’t have much to gain from this match, and hence this is a perfect opportunity for Rohit to try and regain his form. 

Before we try and find out how he can get back to his old self as a batter, let us look at how he has done in the recent matches (last 5).

Vs RR (Match 44): Runs-2 Balls Faced- 5 SR-40

Vs GT (Match 51): Runs- 43 Balls Faced- 28 SR- 153.57

Vs KKR (Match 56): Runs- 2 Balls Faced- 6 SR-33.33

Vs CSK (Match 59): Runs-18 Balls Faced- 14 SR-128.57

Vs SRH (Match 65): Runs-48 Balls Faced-36 SR-133.33

In the last five matches, he has got three decent starts but then failed to score big. Even if we take a look at his performances, he has not looked entirely out of touch but has found ways of getting out.

In a match where the result won’t be of much significance, he can look to approach his batting differently. He may try and bite his time out in the first two or three overs, and then once he gets acquainted with the conditions, he can take on the bowlers. 

The fact that it is a dead rubber might help him keep his mind off the scoreboard pressure.

So, keeping the backdrop in mind and the touch he seems to be in, a big score from Rohit Sharma is not far away. Also, with the national assignments coming up and the T20 World Cup scheduled later this year in Australia, the whole nation will be waiting for his return to form. 

India will desperately need their most dangerous batter and a confident leader heading to Australia.