Will Rohit Sharma Play CSK vs MI IPL 2026? Coach Mahela Reveals Injury Update

Will Rohit Sharma Play Against CSK? Mahela Jayawardene Provides Injury Update

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has offered a glimmer of hope for fans as the team prepares for their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings on May 2. Rohit Sharma, the former captain and batting linchpin, remains in the mix for a potential return after weeks on the sidelines due to injury.

Rohit’s Injury Timeline and MI’s Struggles

Sharma last played in MI’s match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 12, where he sustained a toe injury. What followed was a setback — a hamstring issue that significantly delayed his comeback. Since then, the 39-year-old (who celebrated his birthday on Thursday) has been undergoing gradual rehabilitation, starting with light training and progressing to net sessions in recent days.

Mumbai Indians have struggled in his absence, winning only two of their first six matches and currently sitting in ninth place on the points table. The batting unit has lacked stability at the top, with the team experimenting with three different opening combinations in just four games without Rohit.

Shifting Opening Combinations

Before his injury, Rohit opened with Ryan Rickelton, and the duo showed promise with a 148-run stand in their first match, chasing down 211 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Sharma contributed 78 in that game, setting the tone early.

However, the pair failed to cross 20 runs in the next two outings before stitching a 57-run partnership against RCB. After Rohit’s exit, Quinton de Kock returned and smashed a century — but MI still lost. Rickelton was benched for two games, making way for Vidarbha batter Danish Malewar, who failed to make an impact alongside de Kock, with opening stands of just 10 and 7 runs.

In MI’s most recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, de Kock was dropped, and Rickelton returned — this time opening with Will Jacks. The move nearly paid off: Jacks and Rickelton posted 93, and Rickelton went on to score 123*, the highest individual score by an MI batter in IPL history. Yet, it wasn’t enough as the bowlers conceded 244, handing MI another defeat.

Mahela’s Cautious Optimism

With the CSK clash looming, coach Jayawardene emphasized caution over haste in Rohit’s return.

“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,”

These comments reflect MI’s measured approach, especially given Sharma’s age and the recurring nature of the injury. The team is keen to avoid re-injury, which could jeopardize the remainder of their campaign.

Rohit’s Impact Before Injury

In his four appearances this season, Sharma scored 137 runs at an average of 45.67 and a strike rate of 165 — a vital contribution in a lineup that has otherwise faltered. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed has been sorely missed.

MI vs CSK: A Must-Win Encounter

The upcoming match in Chennai is a must-win for MI, especially after losing to CSK earlier in the tournament at Wankhede. While both teams have had inconsistent seasons, CSK sit in seventh place with more breathing room in the playoff race.

For Mumbai, Rohit’s return — even as a stabilizing presence — could instill much-needed confidence. Whether he features or not, the team will need a collective effort to overcome CSK on their home ground.

Final Decision Imminent

The final call on Rohit Sharma’s availability will be made after assessing his training session and medical feedback on the day after his practice. Fans will be watching closely — one veteran’s return could be the spark MI desperately needs.