Rohit misses MI match with knee issue

Rohit Sharma sat out Mumbai Indians’ April 16 match against Punjab Kings after a hamstring injury, and captain Hardik Pandya said he could miss more than one game. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com, indiatoday.in) Pandya said at the toss, “He is going to take a couple of games to see exactly where he stands.” Rohit had picked up the injury in Mumbai’s previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru after retiring out on 19 off 13 balls. (indiatoday.in, timesofindia.indiatimes.com) The buildup had turned on whether Rohit would be fit enough to open at Wankhede Stadium. The Times of India reported he skipped training, later appeared with his leg strapped, and did not bat. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Mumbai reshaped the lineup without him. Quinton de Kock returned, Mayank Rawat made his debut, and Mitchell Santner was also unavailable because of illness. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com, indiatoday.in) That changed more than one batting slot. Mumbai’s playing XI had Ryan Rickelton and de Kock at the top, with Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav and Pandya following in the middle order. (indiatoday.in, timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Rohit’s absence landed in the middle of a strong personal start to the season. India Today reported he had 137 runs in four matches before the Punjab game, and the IPL’s player page lists him as a central part of Mumbai’s 2026 squad. (indiatoday.in, iplt20.com) The timing was rough for Mumbai’s campaign too. Punjab arrived unbeaten, while Mumbai were trying to halt a three-game losing streak. (indiatoday.in, sportstar.thehindu.com) Punjab then beat Mumbai by seven wickets, chasing 196 in 16.3 overs, and moved to the top of the table with nine points from five matches. Mumbai stayed near the bottom after a fourth defeat in five games. (espn.com, sportstar.thehindu.com) For now, Mumbai’s update is narrow but clear: Rohit did not play on April 16, and the team expects the hamstring issue to keep him out beyond that one night. (indiatoday.in, timesofindia.indiatimes.com)