IPL 2026’s biggest rivalry is back tonight. Mumbai Indians take on Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23, 2026. But there is one name dominating every pre-match conversation: Rohit Sharma.
The former MI captain has been out with a hamstring injury, and whether he will take the field tonight remains uncertain. A final call is expected only at the toss.
Rohit Sharma Injury Update: What Happened?
Rohit began his IPL 2026 campaign well, playing a match-winning knock against Kolkata Knight Riders that gave Mumbai their first victory. His form then dipped in the next two clashes before he was forced to leave the fourth game mid-way against Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to a hamstring injury.
MI captain Hardik Pandya confirmed at the toss that Rohit would miss the next two to three matches following the injury.
The injury forced him to retire hurt mid-innings, and he subsequently missed MI’s last two encounters, including their recent 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans. In his absence, the franchise utilised young batter Danish Malewar at the top of the order.
Latest Fitness and Training Update
Despite the injury, there are encouraging signs ahead of tonight’s game.
Although he was spotted participating in a net session with his injured leg strapped, the club has stated that a final decision regarding his inclusion in the starting XI will only be made at the toss at 7:00 PM IST.
Rohit netted confidently with his leg strapped, prioritising timing over power, and even shared family time, boosting morale.
Both Rohit and Dhoni batted in the Wankhede Stadium nets on Wednesday evening, with the two teams training simultaneously.
However, an MI manager confirmed in an official bulletin that Rohit is “still being assessed” by the medical team. No clear confirmation has been given yet.
Why Rohit’s Return Matters for Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma is not just another player in the MI lineup. He brings experience, calmness at the top of the order, and a big-match record that few can match. His knock against KKR earlier this season showed he still has the ability to win games on his own.
Mumbai leans on Suryakumar Yadav for fireworks after his extended nets work, but without Rohit anchoring the top of the order, the batting line-up has looked less balanced. His return would bring stability and experience to a side that needs both right now.
In a match of this scale, having Rohit at the top could change the entire complexion of MI’s innings.
What If Rohit Misses Tonight?
If Rohit is not cleared to play, MI will likely continue with Danish Malewar opening alongside another top-order batter. The team showed it can win without him, as the 99-run win over Gujarat Titans proved.
Both MI and CSK are in the bottom half of the points table, having made forgettable starts to their campaigns. MI have just two wins from six games and ended a four-match losing streak by beating Gujarat Titans on Monday.
With the playoff race heating up, every game from here on is critical. Rushing Rohit back before he is fully fit could risk a longer absence, which would be far more damaging to MI’s season. His recovery trajectory suggests he is close, and if not tonight, his return could come in the very next match.
Fans will have to wait for the toss at 7:00 PM IST tonight to get the final answer. The Wankhede Stadium will be packed either way, but Rohit walking out to bat would take the atmosphere to another level entirely.
