Rohit Sharma is back in the nets, giving Mumbai Indians a timely lift ahead of their IPL 2026 match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The captain missed the previous fixture due to a hamstring problem, but his return to batting is a positive sign for the MI camp. Even so, Mumbai have not yet confirmed whether he will be declared fit to play on Monday.
Quick facts
- Rohit Sharma has resumed net sessions ahead of MI’s IPL 2026 clash with Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
- He missed the prior match with a hamstring injury.
- Rohit injured himself during Mumbai’s chase versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12.
- In that game, he made 19 off 13 balls before retiring hurt.
- Scans were conducted after the injury, and MI did not risk him against Punjab Kings.
- MI say Rohit is batting in Ahmedabad while being evaluated by the medical team and head coach Mahela Jayawardene.
- When Rohit was absent, Quinton de Kock opened with Ryan Rickelton versus Punjab Kings and scored a hundred.
- Rohit has 137 runs in four matches this season.
- MI are currently at the bottom of the points table with two points after a poor start.
The most recent development follows the injury he sustained during Mumbai’s chase against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12. Rohit began well and looked in control early, reaching 19 runs from 13 balls. However, discomfort forced him to stop and walk off retired hurt.
After the incident, Rohit underwent scans to assess the extent of the hamstring issue. Mumbai then chose caution in their next outing, keeping him out of the match against Punjab Kings rather than pushing him back too quickly.
Net session brings hope, decision still pending
Reports indicate that Rohit batted in the nets on the eve of the Gujarat Titans game. The way he moved at the crease suggested he could continue preparation at a more serious level, which will naturally reassure the MI staff.
Despite that progress, the franchise is still handling the situation carefully. The final call is expected to be taken closer to the match, with MI not willing to rush an experienced campaigner back before he is fully ready for the demands of T20 cricket.
MI’s official update captured the current status clearly: Rohit is batting in Ahmedabad and remains under evaluation by the medical team along with Mahela Jayawardene, the head coach. In other words, he is no longer fully sidelined, but he has not yet been confirmed as available.
That cautious approach is understandable given how hamstring injuries can fluctuate, particularly around this stage of the tournament where the risk of aggravation can have bigger consequences for team balance and player availability.
Rohit’s potential return would be significant on multiple fronts. Mumbai are under pressure after a difficult start to the season and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table with only two points. A player of his caliber offers more than just batting output at the top—he also brings structure, composure, and experience that can steady an XI that has had to alter its combinations frequently.
His absence against Punjab Kings also reshaped MI’s top-order plan. With Rohit out, Quinton de Kock came in to open alongside Ryan Rickelton. The decision delivered immediate dividends, as de Kock struck a hundred in the match.
However, Rohit’s fitness remains the central storyline because of the way he influences MI’s innings—his presence can change the tempo early and add authority in high-pressure phases. The question now becomes who gets the opening spot if he is cleared to play. De Kock’s century strengthens his case, while Rickelton’s returns have dipped after his opening-game 81, leaving the selection picture finely balanced.
From Rohit’s side, his season numbers reinforce his importance. He has scored 137 runs in four matches so far, and if he is fit, he would be viewed as a key part of Mumbai’s batting plans.
For now, the update is encouraging but not definitive. Rohit Sharma is back to batting in Ahmedabad and MI are monitoring him closely, with medical staff and Mahela Jayawardene guiding the final decision. That call will matter as Mumbai prepare for what is expected to be a must-win encounter against Gujarat Titans.
