IPL 2023: Why would you spoil Mohit Sharma’s rhythm – Sanjay Manjrekar questions GT’s tactics in final over

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar questioned Gujarat Titans’ tactics after they suffered a five-wicket loss (DLS method) against Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday. 13 runs were required off the final over when Hardik Pandya gave the ball to Mohit Sharma.

Sharma was right on the money on the first four balls of the over as he nailed his yorkers and conceded only three runs. The ball was in Gujarat Titans’ court as CSK needed 10 runs off the final two balls.

However, GT decided to halt the proceedings as Mohit Sharma was offered a drink and a message for him also came from the dug out, which Manjrekar feels disturbed his rhythm.

Manjrekar added Mohit’s strength is not to bowl yorkers but he was nailing them and GT didn’t do the smart thing by interrupting with his rhythm. Ravindra Jadeja smashed a six and a four on the last two balls to win the thrilling contest for his team.

“Mohit Sharma is not somebody that we know is a yorker-bowler. His main strength is taking the pace off, and here, he was nailing the perfect yorkers. He was in the zone, three brilliant yorkers to dangerous batters,” said Manjrekar on ESPN Cricinfo.

“There are a couple of people who come around. When he was walking back to his bowling mark, he was looking calm and confident. Why would you spoil that rhythm,” Manjrekar added.

Meanwhile, Mohit made a resounding comeback in IPL 2023 after he played a net bowler’s role in the previous season for GT. The fast bowler took 27 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 13.37 and an economy rate of 8.17 and finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker of the season along with teammate Rashid Khan.

After the summit clash, Mohit admitted he couldn’t sleep and wondered what he could have done differently on the last two balls of the final over.