Rohit Sharma was not in the best form during IPL 2024© BCCI/Sportzpics
With Mumbai Indians' campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 almost over, there is little motivation for players to continue giving their best. Players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, etc. are all established stars but have failed to boost Mumbai Indians' campaign this season. As the threat remains of their performances deteriorating further and MI unlikely to qualify for the play-offs, former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta feels there is still 'pride' to play for.
Dasgupta urged Rohit not to take his foot off the accelerator and urged the veteran opening batsman to think about the upcoming assignments and end the IPL campaign on a high.
“You play for the pride of the team, you play as a professional cricketer and you also play for your pride. You don't want to play a game and not perform. Every time you cross the line you have to You want to give your best.” , Dasgupta told Star Sports.
Dasgupta also believes that next year's IPL mega auction could be a major motivating factor for Rohit to do well. With Hardik leading the franchise, it has been suggested by many that Rohit might decide to leave the franchise after the season.
“Let's not forget that next year is the big auction. These are the last few chances that all professional cricketers have. Even if the team is not going to qualify, at least to put on a good show and say to everyone: 'You know what, I'm there,'” Dasgupta said.
Dasgupta also feels it is important that Rohit continues to perform considering his next assignment which is the 2024 T20 World Cup with the Indian team.
“He is such an integral part of the team because he is the captain, but he also sets the tone at the top of the order. That is what he has done over the last year and a half,” he added.
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