The most successful IPL franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) had a disastrous campaign in the 2022 edition. They finished last on the points table at the end of the league stage and were also the first team to bow out of the playoffs race this season. In 14 matches, the team could only manage 4 wins.
The MI skipper Rohit Sharma also went through a lean patch in this year’s IPL, managing just 268 runs in 14 outings at an abysmal average of 19.14.
Reflecting on Rohit's forgetful season on his YouTube channel, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra was of the opinion that the captain's bad form was an issue for the five-time champions.
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Chopra questioned the MI's team selection in the league phase, pointing out that star recruit Tim David was dropped from the playing XI after two games. Even though management played a key part in team selection, he stated that Sharma will be held responsible for such decisions.
"Even Jasprit Bumrah wasn't utilized well in the first half. Rohit Sharma's hands seemed tied for the first time. He made some tactical mistakes. Maybe it was just the team composition or lack of confidence because of not scoring runs," Chopra said.
The cricketer-turned-commentator also pointed out that despite opening in all 14 league matches this season, Rohit and Ishan Kishan failed to put up any substantial run-stands. He further stated that the Mumbai team couldn’t find a good death bowler despite trying many options.
"Also, they did not find a good death bowler. They tried Jaydev Unadkat, Basil Thampi, Tymal Mills, Daniel Sams, Riley Meredith, and Ramandeep Singh as well. But the death bowling was not good. Spinners also did not take too many wickets," he said.
The 44-year-old was also critical of MI's auction strategy.
"In hindsight, their pattern of purchasing was quite questionable. Retaining four players for ₹42 crore was fine. But Ishan Kishan (₹15.5 crore), Dewald Brevis (₹3 crore), Jofra Archer (₹8 crore), Sams (₹2.6 crore), and Tim David (₹8.25 crore). - that's Rs 37.1 crore. Your money is over. How would you build a team after that?" he added.
(TIMES NOW INPUTS)
