Mumbai Indians have gained a significant lift as they prepare to face Gujarat Titans in a key IPL 2026 encounter on Monday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, uncertainty lingers over whether star batter Rohit Sharma will feature in the lineup. The five-time champions have endured a difficult run, suffering four straight losses, making Rohit’s potential return a focal point for the team’s recovery efforts.
The seasoned opener sustained a hamstring injury during Mumbai Indians’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and was forced to sit out the subsequent game against Punjab Kings. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Sunday, MI bowling coach Paras Mhambrey delivered an encouraging update while stopping short of guaranteeing Rohit’s participation.
“Both [Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Santner] are fit. In fact, if you are just walking by the nets out here, if you just look at Rohit’s batting. So yeah, he is working on it. Santner is fit. So, unfortunately, we missed him (Santner) in the last game, picked up a bug. Not something that we could do. But both are fit, yeah,” Mhambrey told reporters.
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The bowling coach’s comments indicate that Rohit has made solid progress in his recovery, having resumed batting in the nets in Ahmedabad. Mitchell Santner, too, has recovered from an illness that kept him out of the previous fixture. Despite the positive signs, the franchise has not yet announced a final decision on Rohit’s availability, with the call expected closer to the start of the match.
Rohit was spotted batting comfortably during net sessions, raising hopes within the Mumbai Indians camp. Nevertheless, the management continues to adopt a measured approach, given the often unpredictable nature of hamstring issues. A team statement noted that the veteran continues to be evaluated by the medical team and head coach Mahela Jayawardene, underscoring the caution being exercised to avoid any setbacks.
Rohit’s experience and leadership at the top of the order could prove vital for a Mumbai Indians side languishing at the bottom of the points table. In his absence, the team adjusted their opening combination by including Quinton de Kock, who delivered a century that highlighted the potential of the top order. Even so, Rohit’s ability to anchor innings and deliver in pressure situations is seen as irreplaceable.