Before the T20 World Cup, the Indian captain sent a clear message: Rohit Sharma should take a break.

In his last five IPL games for his team, the Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma, who will captain India in the forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup, has scored four runs in the single digits.

Though he does not place much weight on Rohit Sharma's run of low scores, former Australia captain Michael Clarke advises the "fatigued" Indian captain to take a break to regain his fitness before the T20I World Cup. Rohit, who will captain India in the 20-team international showcase that takes place the following month, has finished with four single-digit scores in his previous five IPL games for his team, the Mumbai Indians.

The 37-year-old had a busy season this year, playing for the Mumbai Indians, who are all but out of the running for the playoffs, in a heated five-Test series that preceded the IPL.

Given his impressive start, Rohit, who is a shrewd judge of his own performances, will surely be disappointed. I think he could be a little tired too," Clarke told Star Sports.

He could benefit greatly from a break to rest, but as the captain of India and a vital member of the Mumbai Indians, you don't get breaks. Clarke went on, "He's going to have to find form."

When Rohit entered the game last week against the Kolkata Knight Riders as an impact substitute, the Indian camp had some reservations.

Three days later, though, he participated in a whole game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

According to Clarke, Rohit will eventually return to his typical batting form.

He was really happy. Happiness is a really positive sign. It's just a matter of getting out; he doesn't seem to be having trouble with his timing," he remarked.

It's just a matter of time till someone like Rohit rediscovers his form. He's too good to continually lose out, so hopefully he calms down and concentrates on his game. He continued, "He performs best when he timings the ball instead of trying to force it.

Hardik Pandya, the MI captain and Rohit's deputy for the World Cup, responded with 4-0-31-3 in their seven-wicket victory over SRH on Monday. Clarke, however, had further admiration for Pandya.

"He's been taking wickets with his bowling in the last few games, making some adjustments along the way." Success in one area increases an all-around player's confidence overall, according to Clarke.

In every style of cricket, Hardik Pandya's ability to contribute with the ball is essential. He didn't bowl as much in the early part of this competition as was anticipated or wanted. But he's come back to form in the previous three or four games. Additionally, according to Clarke, Pandya made great use of his bouncers, a crucial piece of equipment in his arsenal.

He made excellent use of his bouncer, which I appreciate because it's a powerful tool in his toolbox. He did the fundamentals perfectly, which will help Mumbai and Indian cricket generally because it will improve his performance overall, Clarke added.