Rohit Sharma’s return is the big question ahead of Mumbai Indians’ clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede. With MI’s season on the line, all eyes are on whether their most experienced batter walks back into the XI.
According to a report from CricBuzz, Rohit is expected to take the final call on his availability. The 37-year-old was seen batting for close to an hour on the eve of the game and also went through fitness drills, a clear sign that he is close to returning after nearly three weeks out.
The timing couldn’t be bigger. MI are ninth on the table with just two wins from nine matches and come into this game on the back of three straight losses, including an eight-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings. LSG aren’t in a better place either, sitting bottom with two wins from eight and five defeats on the trot.
MI’s struggles this season have been across departments. Jasprit Bumrah has not quite hit his usual levels, Suryakumar Yadav has had a lean run, and the side has failed to build consistent starts at the top.
WILL ROHIT SHARMA PLAY VS LSG?
There is still no official confirmation from MI.
Rohit has not played since April 12, when he suffered a hamstring injury during MI’s home loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He retired hurt on 19 in that match and has since missed games against Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings.
Despite being out, Rohit remains among MI’s more reliable batters this season. He has scored 137 runs in the tournament at an average of 45.66 and a strike rate of 165, numbers that underline the gap his absence has created at the top.
The nets session has improved the outlook, but with hamstring injuries, the call usually comes down to match readiness rather than just batting rhythm.
WHY ROHIT’S RETURN MATTERS FOR MI
The numbers show the difference.
MI have struggled for stability at the top in Rohit’s absence, rotating options without much success. The powerplay has often set them back rather than giving them a platform, something Rohit usually controls with his tempo.
Beyond the runs, it’s also about game awareness. In a must-win situation, having someone who has handled these scenarios over years makes a difference.
With both teams hanging by a thread in the points table, MI will need more than just a return. They will need Rohit to deliver straight away if he does walk back in.
