Will Rohit Sharma play CSK vs MI IPL 2026 match? Coach reveals the truth
Mumbai Indians (MI) Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene has provided an important update regarding the availability of former captain Rohit Sharma.
Sharma has not played in IPL 2026 since sustaining a toe injury during MI's match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 12. Since then, though, a hamstring injury has significantly delayed his return.
The Mumbai Indians are currently languishing at ninth place on the points table with just two wins in six matches.
MI struggle without Rohit Sharma
In four matches since losing Rohit Sharma, MI have tried three different opening pairs. In their first four matches of the season, Sharma opened with Ryan Rickelton. In the first match, the two put up 148 as MI bossed a chase of 211 against KKR.
The pair couldn't put up even 20 runs in their next two games before putting 57 against RCB until Rohit got injured. Sharma's injury paved the way for Quinton de Kock to come back into the playing XI against the Punjab Kings.
Even though Rickelton couldn't score big, de Kock made a century, albeit MI lost. In the next two games, Rickelton sat out, and MI gave an opportunity to Vidarbha batter Danish Malewar. Malewar and de Kock put up stands of 10 and 7, and could not make a significant individual contribution either.
In MI's latest match, de Kock was shown the door, and Ryan Rickelton returned to opening with the newly available Will Jacks.
Jacks and Rickelton put up 93 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, with the latter going on to make a century. In fact, Rickelton went on to 123*, which is the highest individual score by an MI batsman in the IPL. That, though, wasn't enough as MI's bowlers failed to defend 243.
"He's working really hard to get back at it" - Mahela Jayawardene on Rohit Sharma
On the eve of the Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings on May 2, head coach Mahela Jayawardene spoke about Rohit Sharma's progress in returning from injury.
"It's progressed well. He's, like, working really hard to get back at it. For us on the medical team, it's daily. We see how he feels, how he pulls up the next day. So, we'll make a decision tomorrow.”
“We'll see him practising today as well. So, let's see how he feels tomorrow and what the medical team has to say. Thank you,” he said.
Over the past few days, Rohit had returned to light training and batting in the nets. It is understood that MI are taking a cautious approach with Rohit's return, considering his age (He turned 39 on Thursday).
Rohit Sharma in IPL 2026
Before the injury ruled him out, Rohit Sharma had made steady contributions to MI's struggling campaign.
In 4 matches, he has made 137 runs at an average of 45.67 and a strike rate of nearly 165. He also made 78 in the first match as MI chased down 221 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
MI's next match in IPL 2026
Mumbai Indians will face CSK on May 2 in their next match in the tournament. The game will be held in Chennai.
MI have already lost to CSK once before in this tournament - at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
CSK too, have had a season of ups and downs like MI, but have breathing room as they are currently placed seventh on the points table.
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