NEW DELHI: The build-up to Mumbai Indians’ clash against Punjab Kings was dominated by one question: would Rohit Sharma play?

A day before the match, uncertainty hung thick. MI’s team management stayed tight-lipped, with their media manager confirming that the decision rested with the medical staff.

Rohit, who had suffered a hamstring injury against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, had skipped training and only made a brief appearance later with his leg strapped, not picking up the bat.

Scans reportedly followed, fuelling concern that the injury might sideline him for more than just one game.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Rohit had looked in fine touch in IPL 2026, anchoring MI’s campaign with a fluent 78 against Kolkata Knight Riders and a steady 35 versus Delhi Capitals. His absence threatened to disrupt combinations, forcing a rethink that could bring Quinton de Kock back at the top while reshuffling the middle order.

By toss time, the speculation ended. Captain Hardik Pandya, after Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer asked MI to bat first, confirmed Rohit would miss the game, and possibly more. “He’s gonna take a couple of games,” Pandya said, making it clear MI were unwilling to rush their veteran opener back.

There was more disruption too. Mitchell Santner was ruled out due to illness, prompting further changes. De Kock returned, while a debut cap went to Mayank Rawat.

For MI, this wasn’t just about one player missing. Rohit’s absence strips the side of experience and stability at the top. With the tournament heating up, how quickly he recovers could shape not just this match, but Mumbai Indians’ entire IPL 2026 campaign.

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MI vs PBKS Playing XIs

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh(w), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer(c), Cooper Connolly, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Punjab Kings Impact Subs: Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): 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

Mumbai Indians Impact Subs: AM Ghazanfar, Corbin Bosch, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz, Ashwani Kumar