Mumbai Indians may finally have a reason to breathe a little easier as veteran opener Rohit Sharma edges closer to a return. The 38-year-old, who had picked up a hamstring injury on April 12 during a clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is reportedly recovering well. According to Cricbuzz, Rohit is likely to be available for MI’s upcoming encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 29, although the team management remains cautiously optimistic.
Rohit’s absence creates batting void in MI
Rohit’s absence has been deeply felt in the Mumbai Indians lineup. He has already missed three crucial matches — against Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Chennai Super Kings — and the impact on the batting unit has been evident. In his absence, MI brought in young opener Danish Malewar, who has struggled to make an impression, managing just 2 runs in two outings.
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The decision to include a relatively inexperienced player, who lacks exposure even in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, has raised questions about team selection strategy. Without Rohit at the top, the batting order has lacked both stability and experience, leading to repeated collapses.
Despite a promising start to the season, where Rohit scored 137 runs in four matches and briefly held the Orange Cap, Mumbai Indians have struggled to maintain momentum. The team has managed just two wins in seven matches, putting them in a difficult position in the IPL 2026 standings.
The struggles are not limited to Rohit’s absence alone. Key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have failed to deliver consistently with the bat. A recent 103-run defeat further exposed the team’s vulnerabilities.
Beyond injuries, questionable auction decisions and inconsistent team selections have compounded MI’s problems. Additionally, concerns around Hardik Pandya’s captaincy and personal form continue to linger. With the playoff race heating up, Mumbai Indians will need a quick turnaround—and Rohit Sharma’s return could be a crucial step in that direction.
