There’s a specific kind of silence that settles over Wankhede Stadium when a star player is trying to “just move a bit” after a scare. On Wednesday, about an hour-and-a-half into Mumbai Indians’ practice session, that moment played out with Rohit Sharma walking in with a support staff beside him.
He started with light jogging, then went back for a short conversation with the team’s staff. His right hamstring was strapped—pretty clearly, the kind of precaution you don’t ignore. A little later, Rohit picked up speed with light running that looked more like fitness drills than any full-throttle chase. And then, without making it dramatic, he stepped into the nets, starting off with throwdowns. One time, he even stepped out and played a lofted drive over cover, which—small detail but it stuck—came with the faint, sharp crack you expect when timing is there.
At the pre-match press conference, an MI spokesperson gave the headline update, still careful with the wording. “The medical staff is assessing him,” he said. “An official update will be given when available.” That line hung in the air for a reason: Rohit’s fitness isn’t just a talking point anymore.
Earlier, in the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, Rohit picked up what looked like a hamstring injury. He retired hurt on 19 and then had a scan the following day. The big question—simple, and honestly stressful for everyone—was whether he’ll be available for MI’s match against Punjab Kings on Thursday. Right now, it appears uncertain. There’s an option to play him as an Impact Sub, and he was used in that role in many matches last year. This term, though, he has fielded in all four matches. So the team’s next decision is basically a balancing act between what he can do and what they need.
Even the batting plans feel tied up in the same question mark. At the press conference, Naman Dhir was asked if he’d been told to open the innings, especially with Rohit’s availability not yet settled. “I haven’t been told anything,” Dhir said. “The team management will take a call and we will get to know tomorrow only. I’m absolutely ready to bat anywhere. Even last year, I batted up the order, sometimes at No. 5 or No. 7.” It’s the kind of answer that sounds calm, but you can hear the uncertainty underneath—because everyone knows tomorrow might change everything.
MI, for their part, have had a rough run since the start. After winning their tournament opener against Kolkata Knight Riders, they’ve lost their next three matches. The pressure isn’t only about Rohit’s hamstring either. While Rohit’s status is still being assessed, the MI spokesperson also said, “Will Jacks is on his way and will join the squad soon.”
So the scene at Wankhede now is pretty straightforward: wait for the medical assessment report, watch how Rohit’s hamstring holds up, then decide whether he starts, comes in as an Impact Sub, or—if the plan shifts late—who moves where. And for all the nets and throwdowns, the real answer arrives later, when the team finally has something official to say.
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