KKR vs MI: Fatigue or Pressure? Michael Clarke weighs in on Rohit Sharma's dismal form in IPL 2024 with a shocking suggestion

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma began the IPL 2024 on a high note, showcasing impressive form with the bat after being relieved from captaincy duties by the Mumbai Indians (MI). However, after his remarkable century against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rohit's momentum declined badly in the tournament.

Across 12 matches in the ongoing IPL 2024, the Mumbai Indians (MI) opener has amassed only 330 runs at a respectable strike rate of 152.78 and a modest average of 30. As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, Rohit's poor form in this IPL season raises questions about his ability to lead India effectively in the upcoming multi-nation tournament.

Reacting to Rohit’s lean patch in the ongoing IPL 2024, former Australia skipper Michael Clarke wondered how the talented opener could fail to score again and again in the lucrative T20 league. Clarke reckons that Rohit might be feeling a bit fatigued, so a break can do wonders for the Indian skipper, especially keeping in mind the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

Michael Clarke optimistic about Rohit Sharma's comeback

The Aussie also hopes that the Indian skipper stresses less and focuses more on his game. Clarke is also confident that Rohit will bounce back to his beast mode anytime soon. Notably, Rohit Sharma has not crossed the 400-run mark in IPL since 2019, and even this season, he is now looked off-color.

Michael Clarke said on Star Sports: “Hopefully, he stresses less and focuses on his game because he’s too talented to keep missing out. In my view, he might be feeling a bit fatigued as well. A break to freshen up could do wonders for him, but as the Indian captain and a key player for Mumbai Indians, you’re not getting a break. So, he’s going to have to find form.”

Clarke added, “I saw him the other day before the last game batting in the nets when his back was a little bit stiff. He doesn’t seem to be struggling with his timing; it’s just a matter of getting out. He’s at his best when he’s timing the ball, rather than trying to force it. He’s a great player, and I have no doubt he’ll bounce back soon.”

Pressure mounts on the struggling Rohit Sharma

Meanwhile, apart from Rohit, several Mumbai Indians (MI) players have been struggling in the ongoing IPL 2024, resulting in the five-time champions being on the verge of being officially knocked out of the season. The MI has won only four games in their 12 games so far in the tournament.

Earlier, Rohit was seen crying in the MI’s dressing room after he was dismissed for four runs off five balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 6 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. MI will next travel to Kolkata to take on the table-toppers, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in the 60th game of the ongoing IPL 2024 at Eden Gardens on May 11.

Rohit still has a couple of games in the ongoing IPL 2024 to find his form before Indian players leave for the USA, where they will play their opening game in the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 5 against Ireland.