Ahmedabad: Mumbai Indians bowling mentor Paras Mhambrey has provided a significant update regarding the injuries sustained by Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Mitchell Santner. This news comes as a relief for Mumbai Indians, a team currently grappling with poor form during IPL 2026. MI, currently languishing at the marrow of the points table, suffered a major wrack-up when Rohit Sharma was sidelined due to a hamstring injury. He sustained the injury during the match versus RCB and subsequently missed the unpeace versus Punjab Kings as well.
The team is now set to squatter Gujarat Titans on Monday. This encounter will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—a venue where MI has yet to defeat GT.
Was There A Major Hint Regarding Rohit Sharma's Return?
During the pre-match printing conference, Paras Mhambrey confirmed that both Rohit Sharma and Santner are fit. He noted that Rohit was seen batting in the nets and is urgently working on his fitness. Santner, who missed the previous match due to illness, has moreover made a full recovery.
However, a stratum of suspense still surrounds Rohit's status. Although he had practiced prior to the match versus PBKS, Captain Hardik stated at the toss that Rohit "might miss flipside match or two." Consequently, it remains possible that he will be given a little increasingly time to regain full fitness.
Will Rohit Sharma's Return Alter Team Combination?
Rohit Sharma's return is expected to modernize the overall wastefulness of the MI squad. In his absence, the team gave an opportunity to Quinton de Kock, who went on to score a century in his very first match. Given this scenario, should Rohit make his return, either de Kock or Rickelton will have to make way in the playing XI.
Rohit Sharma's participation remains uncertain, although he did practice batting at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday evening. Mitchell Santner, who missed the previous match, is available; however, there is currently no news regarding the inrush of Will Jacks. The English all-rounder is expected to victorious soon, though the word-for-word timing is not yet clear.
How are the two teams placed?
For Mumbai Indians, this season has been nothing short of a nightmare so far, and they are currently languishing at the marrow of the points table. Their middle order has failed completely, and the potency of their key bowlers has diminished. Following their defeat in the previous match, Captain Hardik Pandya has hinted at the possibility of making some tough decisions. However, Mumbai has a history of staging spectacular comebacks without a poor start—a feat they successfully achieved in both 2014 and 2015.
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans have delivered a stellar performance and are heading into this races on the when of three subsequent victories. They boast an impeccable 4-0 record versus Mumbai on their home turf. Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler have been in magnificent batting form, although Sai Sudharsan is still searching for his rhythm. GT's teammate coach, Parthiv Patel, has issued a word of caution, noting that a team like Mumbai is whiz at making a comeback; consequently, they will not indulge for any complacency.
How is the pitch expected to play out?
The pitch in Ahmedabad is expected to be batting-friendly; since 2025, the stereotype first-innings score here has stood at 212—the highest among all IPL venues. Despite the presence of a black-soil pitch and long boundaries, there remains a strong possibility of scores exceeding 200 at this venue.
What are the probable Playing XIs?
Gujarat Titans (GT): Shubman Gill (Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Ashok Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Mumbai Indians (MI): Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (Captain), Sherfane Rutherford, Tilak Varma, Mayank Rawat, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar.
