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Mumbai Indians (MI) are locking horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a crucial IPL 2026 encounter, with the five-time champions desperately searching for a turnaround. Having suffered three consecutive defeats, MI currently find themselves languishing near the bottom of the points table, sitting second-last. The pressure is mounting on Hardik Pandya and his men to deliver a strong performance and get their campaign back on track.
On the other hand, PBKS have enjoyed a positive start to their season and remain unbeaten so far. Placed third on the table, they will be eager to continue their winning momentum and further strengthen their position in the tournament standings.
Why Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Santner are not playing today’s game?
Mumbai Indians were dealt a double blow ahead of this important fixture as two key players — Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Santner — were ruled out of the playing XI. Captain Hardik confirmed the news at the toss, shedding light on the reasons behind their absence.
Notably, Rohit is currently recovering from a right hamstring injury that he sustained during MI’s previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12. The veteran opener had to retire hurt in that game, raising immediate concerns about his fitness. As per the team management, Rohit is expected to miss a couple of matches while the medical staff closely monitors his recovery and rehabilitation process.
Meanwhile, New Zealand all-rounder Santner has been sidelined due to illness. His absence weakens MI’s spin-bowling options and overall balance, especially in conditions where his control and experience could have played a crucial role.
“Rohit is out from the last game. He’s gonna take a couple of games for him to see how exactly where he is. And Mitchell is unwell as well. So Mitchell Santner also is not available,” Hardik said at toss.
Mayank Rawat handed IPL debut opportunity
Amid the setbacks, Mumbai Indians have made a couple of changes to their lineup. One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of debutant Mayank Rawat, who has been handed his maiden IPL cap. Hardik confirmed the changes at the toss, saying, “So, yeah, we got a couple of changes. Quinny comes back and we have a debutant, Mayank Rawat.”
The 26-year-old all-rounder from Delhi is known for his aggressive batting in the middle order and his ability to contribute with right-arm off-spin. Rawat was picked up by Mumbai Indians for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction, and this match marks a significant milestone in his cricketing journey.
Also READ: Who is Kashmira Pardeshi? Meet the Punjab Kings viral fan girl of IPL 2026
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
