Indian star Rohit Sharma, currently sidelined for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026 due to injury, was seen covering his face in disbelief in the dugout after MI’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 41 at the Wankhede Stadium on April 29. Despite posting a massive 243/5, MI failed to defend the total, leaving Rohit visibly disappointed.
Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks (46 off 22), who combined 78 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket, helped MI get off to a fast start in his absence. Rickelton maintained the momentum even after Jacks was out in the eighth over, with help from skipper Hardik Pandya (31 off 15) and Naman Dhir (22 off 17). Rickelton scored 123 off just 55 balls to stay undefeated.
However, MI’s bowling unit struggled badly, with every bowler conceding over 10 runs per over. Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless, giving away 54 runs, while Ashwani Kumar conceded 41 in just two overs. AM Ghazanfar picked up two wickets but leaked 51 runs as SRH chased down the target comfortably with eight balls and six wickets to spare.
Rohit appeared dejected after the loss, and captain Hardik Pandya echoed similar sentiments. While backing his bowlers, Pandya pointed out that the defeat was more about a lack of unity within the team. He also emphasized his intent to bring MI back to their winning ways, reminiscent of their successful era under Rohit’s leadership.
“I think this season we don’t have much option; we really need to see what all differences we can make. I won’t put my bowlers under the bus. I think as an overall unit, we have not been able to do what exactly the Mumbai Indians stand for. We really need to see what all we need to work on,” Pandya said at the post-match presentation.
Rohit may be unavailable for CSK vs MI
Regarding Rohit’s return to the field, it is anticipated that he will require an additional week to fully recuperate from his injury. As a result, he is all but eliminated from MI’s upcoming crucial match against the bitter rivals Chennai Super Kings, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 02, at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk. On May 4, he could be included in the starting lineup against the Lucknow Super Giants.
