Rohit Sharma (Pic credit: Mumbai Indians) As Mumbai Indians prepare to take on Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23, 2026, uncertainty surrounds the availability of Rohit Sharma, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.Rohit’s participation will be decided just before the toss, with the team management keeping a close eye on his fitness ahead of the highly watched clash. There are encouraging signs from the Indian camp in Bombay. Rohit was seen batting in the nets on Wednesday where he underwent guided practice. However, ESPNcricinfo suggests that he mostly faced dropouts and avoided big shots during his 25-minute stint, suggesting a cautious approach in his recovery.The injury he suffered earlier this month on April 12 has already ruled him out of MI’s last two matches against Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. If Rohit is deemed fit to bat but not to field, MI can use him as an Impact Player to handle his workload. This would allow the team to utilize his hitting power without risking additional strain on his hamstring.
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Matthew Hayden reacts after Gujarat Titans’ defeat against Mumbai Indians In case Rohit is unavailable, Denmark’s Malewar is likely to continue as an opener alongside Quinton de Kock, who has deputized during his absence.
Key figure against CSK
Rohit Sharma is the highest run scorer in the history of Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings rivalry with 913 runs in 31 matches. He has a considerable advantage in today’s venue having crossed 500 IPL runs against CSK at the Wankhede Stadium alone.Mumbai Indians (MI) currently lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 21–18 in their total of 39 IPL meetings between them till April 2026. Including their matches in the defunct Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20), the record is 22–19 in 41 meetings. These teams have met in a record four IPL finals (2010, 2013, 2015 and 2019). MI have won three of these four championship encounters (2013, 2015 and 2019). Although MI historically leads, CSK have been more successful in recent times, winning 5 of their last 6 meetings between 2022 and early 2025. MI won the last meeting on 20 April 2025 by 9 wickets.
