'No, I don't think he should take rest' - Mark Boucher on Rohit Sharma's dismal run of form in IPL 2023

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma is in poor form in the ongoing IPL 2023 season. In seven matches thus far, the 36-year-old has scored 181 runs and, most importantly, has failed to give proper starts to the five-time champions. With that, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar advised Rohit to take a break in order to keep himself ready for the World Test Championship finale. 

However, MI head coach Mark Boucher disagreed with the suggestion as he stated that the cricketer does not need any rest to get back to his rhythm. He meanwhile clarified that it is not his call to make, but MI needs him on the field as he is a terrific player and a good leader.

“No, I don't think he should take rest. That's not my call to make. Obviously, we want Rohit playing, because he's a very good player, and a leader as well, If it is the best for Rohit, and he comes up to me and says 'you know, I need a bit of a break' then yes, we will address that, and I will consider that. He hasn't done that. So yes at the moment, if he is available to play, he will play,” Boucher was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda in the pre-match press conference.

Rohit has fulfilled the role that we have needed him to fulfill in this season so far: Boucher

Rohit Sharma has been one of the finest talents India has ever produced. Courtesy of playing a lot of cricket for South Africa and in the Indian Premier League, Mark Boucher has seen him up close, and on the eve of Rohit’s 36th birthday, the former cricketer mentioned he has followed Rohit’s growth into a quality cricketer but also a good leader. He also mentioned that Rohit is batting well in the nets and has already fulfilled the role that was given to him earlier in the season.

“I think Rohit is in good form. He has been hitting the ball really well in the nets. Just the other day, he got some good runs for us. He’s playing a nice and aggressive brand of cricket. He’s fulfilled the role that we have needed him to fulfill in this season so far. If Rohit plays aggressively as he has, he can be devastating for any opposition,” Boucher mentioned.