Rohit Sharma picked up an injury during an IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last Sunday, retiring hurt on 19 off 13 at the Wankhede Stadium. The discomfort appeared to be linked to his hamstring, and while Mumbai Indians have not issued a definitive medical update yet, his status for Thursday’s home fixture against Punjab Kings remains uncertain.
On Wednesday evening, Rohit was spotted at the Wankhede nets working through light warm-up drills. He also jogged with a heavily strapped leg, though his limited workload has added to the speculation surrounding whether he can be cleared in time for the next game.
Rohit’s fitness under review
With the clock ticking, Mumbai’s coaching and medical staff are assessing him day-by-day. During the session, a team official indicated they were evaluating Rohit’s condition and that a clearer picture would emerge after the review process.
That uncertainty immediately raises a practical selection question for Mumbai: who steps in if Rohit cannot play at home against PBKS on Thursday?
Quick facts
- Rohit Sharma injured during IPL 2026 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru last Sunday
- He retired hurt on 19 off 13 at the Wankhede Stadium, with a hamstring-looking issue
- Thursday’s match is a home game for Mumbai against Punjab Kings
- Rohit trained lightly on Wednesday evening, including jogging with a heavily strapped leg
- Mumbai sit ninth in the points table with one win from four matches
- PBKS are third and unbeaten so far with seven points
- Head-to-head in last five meetings: Punjab leads 3-2; at Wankhede it stands even at 5-5
Who could replace Rohit?
Mumbai have overseas options, but the situation is not straightforward. Will Jacks, one of their overseas batting choices, is not yet in the squad after requesting extended leave earlier in the season, and he is reportedly still travelling to India, meaning he will not be available for the Thursday encounter.
That makes Quinton de Kock the most likely candidate to fill the role at the top. If selected, he can partner with Ryan Rickelton to form a left-right opening combination, though bringing de Kock into the XI would probably require Mumbai to rebalance their overseas options elsewhere in the lineup.
Possible XI reshuffle
One route could be to consider benching Trent Boult, who has found it difficult to hit his best form this season. In that scenario, Mumbai may look to add an Indian pace option, with Ashwani Kumar being a name that could fit the bill. Boult would still remain available as an Impact Player if the match demands it.
Mumbai also have domestic bowling and batting alternatives in their pool. Naman Dhir, who has shown encouraging form against the new ball, and Vidarbha opener Danish Malewar are both in consideration for roles depending on how the team structure is adjusted.
Likely Mumbai XI vs Punjab Kings
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Quinton de Kock
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (C)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Shardul Thakur
- Deepak Chahar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Ashwani Kumar
On the points table, Mumbai are placed ninth after starting with a win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede in their season opener. Since then, they have suffered three consecutive defeats, leaving them with one win from four matches.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, occupy third place and are the only unbeaten team in the tournament so far, having collected seven points. Their early-season momentum gives them the edge heading into Thursday, but the contest at the Wankhede has been tighter historically.
Punjab hold a better record in their most recent five meetings against Mumbai, leading 3-2. However, when they meet at the Wankhede, the matchup is balanced at 5-5—setting up an interesting backdrop even if Mumbai have to alter their batting order due to Rohit’s fitness concerns.
