Rohit fitness call hangs over El Clasico
Rohit Sharma remains a late call for Mumbai Indians ahead of their clash with Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede. The opener is recovering from a hamstring injury and has missed the last two matches.
He returned to training on match eve. Rohit began with light jogs before padding up, but his session stayed controlled. He faced throwdowns from both right-arm and left-arm bowlers and avoided big hitting during a short stint. The signs suggest progress, but not full readiness. The final decision is expected at the toss, with the team management weighing risk against the importance of the fixture.
MI build momentum, but balance in question
Mumbai Indians come into the game after a 99-run win over Gujarat Titans, their most complete performance of the season. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 101 set up 199, and the bowlers finished the job comfortably.
That result ended a four-match losing streak and gave MI two wins from six matches, keeping them in touch in a tight points table. It also creates a selection call. Do they bring Rohit straight back, or retain the XI that delivered their best performance? The balance of the side, particularly at the top and in the middle overs, depends on that decision.
Rohit-Dhoni availability keeps contest in balance
MS Dhoni is also recovering from a calf injury and remains uncertain for the game. Both Rohit and Dhoni trained at Wankhede, with Dhoni going further by keeping wickets earlier in the week.
There is a scenario where neither plays. If that happens, it would be the first time in IPL history that this fixture proceeds without both Rohit and Dhoni.
Both teams sit in the bottom half with two wins each. Mumbai arrive with momentum, while Chennai still search for consistency. The immediate focus, though, stays on Rohit, is he fit enough to return now, or does Mumbai hold him back?