RP Singh expressed disappointment over Rohit Sharma taking a break

The five-match T20I series between India and South Africa starts on June 09 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The T20I series will see vice-captain KL Rahul leading the Men in Blue. The full-time captain Rohit Sharma has been rested for the home tour as a part of workload management.

Apart from Rohit, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are the other two players who have been given a break following the conclusion of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League. It is believed that the skipper himself demanded a break from the game.

Sharma had a below-average run in IPL 2022 as he scored only 268 runs in 14 innings. The captain recorded a poor average of 19.14 and a strike rate of 120.17. Rohit endured a forgettable ride as a captain as well. His franchise Mumbai Indians, ended at the rock-bottom in the points table after winning just four of ten league games. 

Many cricket pundits and former cricketers agreed with Rohit Sharma's decision to travel to England with a fresh mind following a much-needed break. However, Rohit's former teammate RP Singh didn't echo the same sentiments. The fast bowler believes there was no reason for Rohit to take a break. 

"I think he should have played the series. Taking rest or not is his personal thought. It depends on how much fatigue he is experiencing. But I don't think there was a need for a break. He should have played. It's a long series and, remember, he is the captain as well" Singh told India TV.

Elaborating his opinion on Rohit's poor form, RP Singh mentioned that Rohit hasn't touched the 400-run mark in the Indian Premier League for the past few seasons. Singh believes that despite a poor run in the T20 league, the top-order batter is an asset to the team due to his ability of playing big knocks in the crunch scenarios. 

"In the IPL, Rohit hasn't scored over 400 runs in the last few seasons. There are many others who have crossed the 400-run mark. His performances have been inconsistent in the tournament but he used to come up with a couple of match-winning knocks."

"So everyone felt the spark in his batting was there. In the shortest format, you need match-winners. Even if they fire in a couple of matches, the team will win those" RP Singh concluded.