Rohit Sharma is enduring a tough time in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season both as a batter and captain.

Under his leadership, Mumbai Indians (MI) have won three out of their seven matches so far while Rohit has managed to register only one half-century.

Amid the lean patch, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has advised Rohit to take a break, citing that the MI skipper seems a bit preoccupied.

With India set to take on Australia in the World Test Championship final soon after the culmination of IPL 2023, Rohit Sharma would be keen to regain his form and Gavaskar feels a little breather would do a world of good to the Indian captain.

"I would like to see some change in the batting order [for Mumbai Indians]. Honestly, I would also say that Rohit should maybe also take a break for the time being, and keep himself fit for the World Test Championship [final]. [He can] come back again for the last few matches, but right now, [he should] take a little bit of a breather himself," Gavaskar said while talking to Star Sports as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"He is looking just that little bit preoccupied. Maybe at this stage he is thinking about the WTC [final], I don't know. But I do believe that at this stage he needs a little bit of a break, and come back for the last three or four matches so that he is in rhythm for the World Test Championship [final]," he added.

Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the table last year and even as the side has produced improved performances this year, their playoff chances look bleak.

"It's going to be a miracle that's going to make them qualify [for the IPL playoffs]," Gavaskar said. "The way they are at the moment, yes, they could conceivably finish [at number] four, but they will have to play some extraordinary cricket, both batting as well as bowling."

Mumbai Indians will next face Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (April 30).