KKR vs MI: Shaun Pollock shockingly blames Rohit Sharma's involvement in India's World Cup squad selection for his poor IPL form

Former South African pacer Shaun Pollock suggested that Rohit Sharma's involvement in T20 World Cup squad selection might have impacted his focus and performance. Shaun Pollock expressed hope that Rohit Sharma will regain form in the last two games before heading off to the World Cup.

Rohit Sharma started the tournament on a positive note, scoring 297 runs in seven matches at an average of 49.50 and a strike rate of 149.50. However, he struggled thereafter, managing only 33 runs in the next five matches. He recorded scores of 4(5), 11(12), 4(5), 8(8), and 6(5) in his last five innings.

Rohit Sharma Will Be Disappointed With That - Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock discussed Rohit Sharma's recent dip in form despite his strong start in the IPL 2024 season. Pollock mentioned that there was speculation that relinquishing the captaincy had rejuvenated Sharma's performance.

"He'll be disappointed with that. He got off to a fiery start. Some people were saying, 'Look he's no longer captain so he's getting back to his old form'. He's still got two more games so hopefully he fires before he heads off to the World Cup," Pollock said on Cricbuzz.

He's Kind Of Got Out To Soft Dismissals - Shaun Pollock

The former South African captain stated that Sharma's dismissals are worrying for both Mumbai Indians and Team India fans. Shaun Pollock highlighted his recent dismissal off Pat Cummins bowling against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

"It's the manner in which he's getting out that will be more concerning for him. He's one of those when he's playing straight down the ground, there's not much that can go wrong, but he has tried to introduce a bit of a fiddly element to the game. To get the odd scoop here but he's popping the odd one up in the air. If he gets a good nut, he won't be too concerned, but to be honest, he's kind of got out to soft dismissals, to be honest," Pollock added.

"I presume for the last few weeks, there has been a few conversations about trying to pick the Indian team. With that stress of finding the right balance, which player should be picked, all of a sudden, you are back in captaincy mode…. The naming of the side, going to the press conference, explaining why you have picked a certain may have added to the stress," Pollock added.

Rohit Sharma has scored 330 runs in matches at an average of 30 and a strike rate of 152.77, with a best score of unbeaten 105 runs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The Mumbai-based team, led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya, is in ninth place in the points table with only four wins in 12 games.

The 37-year-old opener hasn't led India to a world title since becoming the limited-overs captain in 2021. The Indian cricket team reached the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup and the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, the Men in Blue failed to clinch the trophy on both occasions.

Rohit Sharma will be next seen in action when the Mumbai team takes on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, May 11. The MI team will face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next league stage match at home on May 17. 

Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: "Team India needs a sensible captain.."- Yuvraj Singh on Rohit Sharma