Will Rohit Sharma Play MI vs SRH? Latest Injury Update on the Hitman

Mumbai Indians Bracing for a High-Stakes Clash Against Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 continues to deliver high-octane drama as the Mumbai Indians (MI) prepare to host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 29 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. While the fixture is always a treat for cricket fans, the narrative surrounding this particular match is dominated by one question: Will Rohit Sharma be fit enough to return to the playing XI?

The stakes could not be higher for the five-time champions. Currently, MI finds itself in a precarious position, languishing in ninth place on the points table with only two victories from seven outings. For Hardik Pandya’s men, this match is not just about the two points; it is about igniting a spark for a massive comeback. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad arrives in Mumbai riding a wave of confidence. SRH currently occupies third place in the standings, having secured five wins from eight matches, including a formidable streak of four consecutive victories.

The Mathematical Mountain: MI’s Path to the Playoffs

For Mumbai Indians, the road to the playoffs has become an uphill battle. To stand a realistic chance of qualification, the team likely needs to secure 5-6 wins from their remaining seven matches to reach a target of 14-16 points. However, points alone may not be enough. MI is currently hampered by a poor net run rate (NRR) of -0.736.

This negative NRR means that mere victories will not suffice; MI needs to win convincingly to climb the table. In a tournament where margins are razor-thin, the ability to post massive totals or defend low scores with ease is critical. This is precisely why the return of their most experienced batter and former captain, Rohit Sharma, is seen as an absolute necessity.

The Injury Blow: What Happened to Rohit Sharma?

The momentum of Rohit Sharma’s 2026 campaign was abruptly halted on April 12 during a clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The veteran opener suffered a hamstring injury, an ailment that forced him into an immediate period of rehabilitation. This injury proved costly, as it sidelined him for several crucial fixtures, including games against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT).

Perhaps most painful for the MI faithful was Rohit’s absence during the ‘El Clásico’ of the IPL—the high-voltage encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Without their mainstay at the top, MI lacked the stability and aggression that the Hitman typically provides.

Experimental Failures at the Top

In the absence of Rohit, the MI management has been forced to experiment with various opening combinations, with mixed results. Initially, Quinton de Kock stepped into the void, delivering a valiant and spectacular 112 to keep the team competitive. However, the stability did not last.

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• The Rickelton Shift: Ryan Rickelton, Rohit’s usual opening partner, was unexpectedly dropped in subsequent games.
• The Malewar Gamble: 22-year-old Danish Malewar was handed an opportunity in the last two matches. Unfortunately, the gamble failed to pay off, as Malewar managed only 2 runs in his outings.

Before his injury, Rohit Sharma was MI’s highest run-scorer, providing the necessary foundation for the middle order. The struggle of the replacement batters highlights the void left by the veteran’s absence.

Latest Update: Is the Hitman Ready for the Wankhede?

There is reason for optimism among the Mumbai Indians camp. Recent social media updates from the franchise show Rohit Sharma intensifying his training sessions. The veteran has been spotted engaging in gym work and field drills without any apparent discomfort. The team physios are reportedly optimistic about his recovery, noting that he has not reported any pain during the final stages of his rehabilitation.

During the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, MI’s media manager provided a critical update, stating that Rohit is “progressing well.” While the medical team is confident, the final call on his availability will be made around the time of the toss. Reports suggest that the former India captain is very likely to be available for selection, providing a massive psychological and tactical boost to a struggling side.

As MI looks to secure their third win of the season and halt SRH’s winning streak, the return of Rohit Sharma could be the catalyst they desperately need to turn their season around.