New Delhi: Mumbai Indians’ clash against Punjab Kings was dominated by one question: Will Rohit Sharma play?A day before the match, the uncertainty disappeared. MI’s team management remained tight-lipped, with their media manager confirming that the decision rests with the medical staff. Rohit, who suffered a hamstring injury against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, missed training and later made a brief appearance due to a bandage on his leg, not picking up the bat.
Scans reportedly followed suit, fueling concern that the injury could keep him out for more than just one game.The timing could not have been worse. Rohit looked great. IPL 2026, started MI’s campaign with a fluent 78 against Kolkata Knight Riders and a back-to-back 35 against Delhi Capitals. His absence threatened to disrupt the mix, which could force a rethink. Quinton de Kock Back to the top, shuffling through the middle order.By the time of the toss the speculation was over. Captain Hardik PandyaAfter Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer asked MI to bat first, it confirmed that Rohit would miss the game, and possibly more. “He is going to play a couple of games,” Pandya said, making it clear that MI are not ready to bring back their veteran opener.There was more disruption. Mitchell Santner was ruled out due to illness, leading to further changes. De Kock returns, while the debut cap goes to Mayank Rawat.For MI, it wasn’t just a lack of one player. Rohit’s absence kills the aspect of experience and stability. With the tournament heating up, how quickly he recovers could shape not just this match but Mumbai Indians’ entire IPL 2026 campaign.
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MI vs PBKS Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhasmaran Singh (W), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Cooper Connolly, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Johnson, Xavier Bartlett, Vijay Kumar Veshak, Arshad Singh, Yuzvinder ChahalPunjab Kings Impact Subs: Nihal Wadhira, Vishnu Vinod, Harpreet Brar, Suresh Shidge, Yash ThakurMumbai Indians (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock (W), Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Verma, Surya Kumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Sheriff Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Mayank Rawat, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit BumrahMumbai Indians Impact Subs: AM Ghazanfar, Corbin Bosch, Raj Bawa, Robin Munns, Ashwini Kumar
