New Delhi: The preparations for Mumbai Indians’ match against Kings XI Punjab revolve around one question: Will Rohit Sharma feature in the match?The day before the game is full of uncertainty. MI’s team management is tight-lipped and their media manager confirmed that the decision rests with the medical staff. Rohit suffered a hamstring injury against Royal Challengers Bangalore and did not participate in the training session, making a brief appearance with a leg strap and did not pick up the bat.
Scans were reportedly subsequently carried out, raising concerns the injury could see him miss more than one game.The timing couldn’t be worse. Rohit looks in good touch intense pulsed light In 2026, MI set the stage for MI’s campaign with a smooth 78 against Kolkata Knight Riders and a solid 35 against Delhi Capitals. His absence could disrupt the merger, forcing a rethink of what it might entail Quinton de Kock Go back to the top while reordering the middle.When it’s throw time, the guesswork is over. team leader Hardik Pandyaafter Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer asked MI to bat first, it was confirmed that Rohit will miss the game and possibly more. “He will play a few games,” Pandya said, indicating MI was not willing to rush to get their veteran opener back.There are more distractions. Mitchell Santner’s absence through illness prompted further changes. De Kock returns while Mayank Rawat makes his first appearance for the side.For MI, it’s not just a matter of one missing player. Rohit’s absence has dented the experience and stability at the top. As the tournament heats up, the speed of his recovery will not only impact this match but Mumbai Indians’ entire IPL 2026 campaign.
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What are your thoughts on Mitchell Santner’s absence due to illness?
MI vs PBKS lineup
Kings XI Punjab (Starting Lineup): Prabhsimran Singh(w), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer(c), Cooper Connolly, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Kings XI Punjab hit the bench: Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Yash ThakurMumbai Indians (Starting Lineup): Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya(c), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Mayank Rawat, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit BumrahMumbai Indians shock replacements: AM Ghazanfar, Corbin Bosch, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz, Ashwani Kumar
