'Huge loss for other teams' - Fans react as Rohit Sharma opts to sit out for few games in ITL 2023 to manage workload

Rohit Sharma & Suryakumar Yadav (Image credit: Twitter)

Ahead of the 16th edition of the Indian T20 League, the Mumbai camp has given a big update that captain Rohit Sharma may miss a few games in the 2023 season to manage his workload. With a busy schedule coming up for Team India, the skipper himself has set an example by prioritizing national duty.

The decision came as a disappointment to Mumbai fans who were eagerly waiting to see Hitman's explosive batting throughout the tournament. But considering that India will face Australia in the final of 2023 World Test Championship (WTC), a few days after the final of ITL, it was a right call from the Indian captain. The marquee event kicks off at London's Oval on June 7, with India aiming for a maiden title after losing to New Zealand in the inaugural edition.

With the Men in Blue set to host another mega event in October and November, the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rohit, who has a past history of missing India matches due to injury, will not want to miss out on much.

Players have to look after their bodies: Rohit

The 35-year-old earlier mentioned that players should keep themselves fit for national matches and all franchises should monitor their workload. After the ODI series loss against Australia, Rohit said:

“It’s all up to the franchises now. They own them now. We have given some indications to the teams, but at the end of the day, it’s up to the franchises. And more importantly, it’s up to the players. They are all adults; they have to look after their bodies. If they feel it’s getting a bit too much, they can talk about it and take a break in one or two games. I doubt if that will happen, but."

According to a report by Indian Express, Rohit has kept his promise by opting to rest for a few ITL matches and Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in his absence. Rohit has led Mumbai to five cash-rich league titles, but they had a rough season in 2022 as they finished last in the points table. However, they will look to bounce back this season by starting their campaign on a high note against Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, April.

Here's how fans reacted: 

It's going to be very difficult for Ambani to leave out Rohit Sharma in crucial matches.

— Vibinraj (@vibin1021) March 28, 2023

Good for Mumbai

— Sahill (@Sahill_Warhade) March 28, 2023

Difference.

With or without

Mi will be same

— Abd ᴸᵒʸᵃˡ ᴿᶜᴮᶦᵃⁿ (@LOVEABDMK) March 28, 2023

Good,it should be followed by everyone of wtc team

— Abhinay Sama (@abhinay_sama) March 28, 2023

Huge loss for other teams

— 101 gram (@VishaI_18) March 28, 2023

Captain setting the example for other 🇮🇳 players and MI can also find new captaincy candidate in absence of Rohit

— The Cricket Statistician (@CricketSatire) March 28, 2023

He needs to manage his fitness not workload

— Crictalker (@crictalker2) March 28, 2023

He knows he can't win this season in absence of Bumrah.

— SavageCreature (@SavageCreature) March 28, 2023

What a fitness man... Already the team messed up with the injuries and without rohit this team cant even qualify for the playoffs also

— sandeep kumar (@sandeep232001) March 28, 2023

Even mi doesn't wants this motu to play for them

— Suraj (@suprsuraj) March 28, 2023