MI vs SRH: Rohit Sharma injured before T20 World Cup 2024? Piyush Chawla reveals why he was used as an Impact Player
Updated - 04 May 2024, 02:16 PM
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Mumbai Indians (MI) leg spinner Piyush Chawla revealed the reason behind Rohit Sharma's absence from the field during the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Piyush Chawla stated that Rohit Sharma experienced mild back stiffness, raising doubts about his availability for the T20 World Cup 2024.
MI management picked Rohit Sharma as an Impact Player instead of featuring him in the playing XI. Mumbai skipper Hardik Pandya didn't explain Rohit's absence during the coin toss. Notably, the 37-year-old batter is the second-leading run-getter for Mumbai in the ongoing tournament.
The former Mumbai Indians captain managed to score 11 runs off 12 balls, including one six, during the run chase. Kolkata Knight Riders secured a 24-run victory over Mumbai Indians on Friday, May 3. This defeat marked MI's first loss in 12 years against KKR at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Rohit Sharma Just Had A Mild Back Stiffness - Piyush Chawla
During a post-match interview, Piyush Chawla disclosed that Rohit Sharma was absent from the initial playing XI due to mild back stiffness. Chawla stated that it was a precautionary step to bring Rohit in as an impact player.
“He just had a mild back stiffness. It was just a precautionary thing,” Chawla said.
Rohit Sharma has experienced back issues in the past. During the fifth Test against England in March, the veteran opener didn't field due to a stiff back. The BCCI confirmed the news during the first session of the third day’s play at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
Rohit Sharma may now opt for much-needed rest with the Mumbai Indians virtually out of the IPL 2024 playoff contention. The Hardik Pandya-led team has faced its eighth defeat in 11 matches. They are currently second-last in the points table with 6 points. They can reach a maximum of 12 in the IPL 2024.
We Didn't Get That Going This Season - Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla highlighted that the team struggled in all departments and stated that they didn’t get the momentum going this season. Chawla acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the importance of acceptance in such situations.
“As a unit, I won’t say it’s about just the batting or just the bowling. It’s the complete unit. T20 cricket is about momentum, and we didn’t get that going this season,” Chawla said.
“It’s not like it’s happening to us for the first time or any other team for the second time. It can happen to anyone. It’s just that that momentum was not our way.“
“Like today, people thought chasing 170 runs at the Wankhede would be a cakewalk. But the wicket was different today. It was a bit sticky. The ball was stopping and coming. Sometimes, the form is not with you as a unit, and these things can happen. It hurts as well, but you have to accept that.”
The Mumbai-based team will take on the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday, May 6.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: ICC announces Match Officials' Panel for World Cup; 3 Indians included
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IPL Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma Piyush Chawla India National Cricket Team ICC T20 World Cup 2024 MI vs KKR
