Mumbai Indians (MI) are taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 26th match of the IPL 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This is a very crucial game for MI, as they are coming on the back of some very poor form, having lost their last three games against Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They lie 9th on the points table. However, as they take the field tonight in this must-win game, they have been dealt with a massive blow. Rohit Sharma is not in the team that is taking in PBKS.
Why Rohit Sharma Is Not Playing For MI Vs PBKS
Rohit Sharma suffered an injury to his hamstring while batting in the IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 12 (Sunday). He had to be retired hurt after scoring just 19 runs.
At the toss, captain Hardik Pandya said that Rohit Sharma will not just miss this game, but will take a few games to come back into the side.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the decision that Rohit Sharma would not play was taken on the eve of the MI Vs PBKS match by the team management as they did not want to risk further aggravation.
“The medical team is assessing him, and a decision will be taken before the match,” a spokesperson of MI had informed the publication.
Rohit Sharma began his IPL 2026 on a strong note with an 83 against KKR. However, he could not emulate that form in the three following games. Overall he scored 137 runs in 4 games, and is still MI’s leading run-getter in the IPL 2026.
FOLLOW: MI Vs PBKS Live Score
Who Has Replaced Rohit Sharma?
Apart from Rohit Sharma, Mitchell Santner is also missing in action from this game due to an illness. Hence, there have been two changes in the lineup.
Quinton de Kock comes in place of Santner, and will open the batting in Rohit’s absence. In place of the former MI captain, the side have given a debut to young Delhi all-rounder Mayank Dagar.
MI Playing XI Vs PBKS:
Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya(c), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Mayank Rawat, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.
