IPL 2023: Rohit Sharma will win Player of Match award if MI make playoffs, says Ravi Shastri

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has backed Rohit Sharma to come good in the playoff stages if Mumbai Indians make it to the last four. Rohit hasn’t been able to deliver for MI in the ongoing IPL 2023 as he has scored only 191 runs in 11 matches at an average of 17.36 and a strike rate of 124.83.

The MI skipper was once again dismissed cheaply against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday. Rohit could only manage seven runs while MI were chasing a big total of 200 runs. In fact, in the last five consecutive innings, Rohit has managed only single-digit scores.

As Rohit is a big match-player, Ravi Shastri has put his weight behind him to deliver the goods in the playoff stages. Rohit will be looking to get back to his best before the playoff stages.

Meanwhile, after their six-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians climbed to the third spot in the points table. This was their sixth win after playing 11 matches in the ongoing season of IPL 2023.

“If they make the playoffs, a Man of the Match, I can guarantee you in one of the games in the playoffs,” Ravi Shastri told Star Sports.

“It’s a positive and it’s a danger sign for other teams. He is going to wake up, he is going to come out and smack it one day. I just hope he keeps the shape when he is attempting those aggressive shots. He has got so much of time to play the shots. He is bound to come back to form, there is no doubt about it,” he added.

On the other hand, Irfan Pathan also backed Rohit Sharma to come good in the upcoming matches. The former all-rounder added that Rohit has all the experience under his belt and he can make the most of it.

“I think he is comeback sooner or later. Hopefully, for Mumbai Indians fans, he comes to form in the crunch situation. Big players do that. Big players always come back to form when the team needs them the most. He will use all his experience of playing the IPL, playing international cricket to return to form,” Pathan said.

Rohit will want to deliver the goods for MI and he is going to hold the key at the top of the order for MI. Mumbai Indians will next take on Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.