The build-up to the next chapter of the Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings rivalry has been dominated by one key question: will Rohit Sharma turn up at the Wankhede? With both sides dealing with injury concerns, the focus has firmly shifted to team combinations and last-minute phone calls ahead of one of the most anticipated clashes in the Indian Premier League.
In particular, Rohit’s situation sparked a debate after The MI opener picked up a hamstring problem against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier this month. After a quick start that saw him retire, the veteran has since been left out, leaving MI to rethink their approach at the top of the order despite returning to winning ways in the previous game.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar believes there is still a way for MI to use Rohit’s experience without taking unnecessary risks. He suggested a flexible role could be key as he looks to maintain momentum.
USE ROHIT AS IMPACT
“Even if he is purely as a batsman or an impact player, MI should look to exploit him. Strong starts are crucial and the most successful teams this season have fired with both the bat and the bowling,” Bangar said on Jiostar.
He emphasized that a solid opening partnership could reduce the burden on the middle order. “If Rohit and Quinton de Kock can put up a solid opening stand, it will ease the pressure on Suryakumar Yadav and the middle order. At this stage, MI should consider taking a calculated risk on his fitness and use him as an impact replacement.”
Since Rohit’s injury, MI have faced the Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans and registered a dominant 99-run victory in their last match, breaking the losing streak.
I HAVE HIGH CONFIDENCE
“Confidence is not an issue for MI. The runs are coming from key players, with impressive hundreds by Quinton de Kock in the previous game and Tilak Varma in the last one,” Bangar said.
He also highlighted the positives with the ball. “Jasprit Bumrah, who took the new ball, was positiveand the spinners also chipped. Ghazanfar looks like a solid option alongside Mitchell Santner. With Will Jacks available, MI are gradually settling into their best combination.”
Meanwhile, CSK have to deal with their own failures. Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out for the season while Ayush Mhatre, their standout batsman this year, is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The franchise brought in Akash Madhwal as a replacement.
There is also uncertainty around Availability of MS Dhoni. CSK bowling coach Eric Simons hinted that the final challenge will rest on Dhoni himself on the day of the match. While the medical staff is satisfied with his condition, his participation remains a major talking point heading into the high-stakes encounter.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
23 Apr 2026 17:37 IST
