Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil) Rohit Sharma’s availability remains a major talking point ahead of Mumbai Indians’ crucial clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday, with the veteran opener still not fully cleared from a hamstring injury.Rohit, who has been sidelined since April 12, remains a doubtful starter for the Wankhede clash. While there was some encouragement with the former captain hitting the nets with intensity, the team management is unlikely to take any chances unless he is fully fit.
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Devdutt Padikkal on his batting development and RCB’s approach in the chaseHis absence was deeply felt in the stop-start campaign for Mumbai Indians. They still have their destiny in their own hands at half-time, with seven games remaining and 14 points still to play for, but their performances so far have left little room for error.MI has been hot and cold this season, more cold than hot. Their struggles are exposed in the numbers and Rohit’s absence has only compounded the problem. They have scored just 1173 runs, the least of any team, with their Powerplay return of 366 also the poorest in the league. Without Rohit at the top to provide stability or initial momentum, the batting unit repeatedly failed to set the tone.The inconsistency spreads throughout the lineup. Tilak Varma, their best player, is still out of the best category of top scorers of the tournament. Suryakumar Yadav, who dominated last season, has struggled to find a rhythm while Hardik Pandya and Sherfane Rutherford have also endured lean patches.Facing them is a Sunrisers Hyderabad team that has been the benchmark with the bat this season. They boast vastly improved numbers in all areas, including total runs, averages and six strikeouts, with many players in strong form.SRH’s bowling has also improved, with Pat Cummins returning to lead the attack and the young pacers stepping in, turning the once weak link into a strength.The Wankhede Stadium is expected to deliver another high-scoring contest, with the average first innings total hovering above 200. However, MI’s recent inconsistency at home, including a collapse in their last game against CSK, adds to the pressure.Currently, Rohit Sharma remains a doubtful starter. His return could provide a much-needed boost, but if he is not fully fit, Mumbai Indians may once again find themselves in a must-win situation without one of their most experienced and influential players.
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