MI vs PBKS IPL 2026: Rohit Sharma had sustained an injury in the IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last week, where he had to retire hurt after scoring 19 runs off 13 balls in Mumbai owing to a hamstring injury. Although MI's team management hasn't provided a proper update, there is uncertainty about his availability for their next match against the Punjab Kings, which is why the Mumbai-based franchise is facing a selection dilemma. Rohit attended a practice session at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, where he participated in light warm-up drills and was seen jogging with a strapped leg. But his restricted activity only sparked speculation about whether he would play. “The medical team and coaching staff are assessing him, and we will get to know,” a team official told PTI. The Hardik Pandya-led side is grappling with who will replace Rohit Sharma if he misses the upcoming clash. The Mumbai-based franchise has two overseas batters, but Will Jacks has still not joined the team despite requesting extended leave for this season. Gland's star all-rounder is currently on his way to India and won't play the match against PBKS on Thursday.
In such a scenario, Quinton de Kock appears to be the most viable replacement option. The veteran wicket-keeper batter might open with Ryan Rickleton, and that will give the team a brilliant left-right combination. But if he is included in the playing XI, then the Hardik Pandya-led side will have to change their whole overseas balance.
They might also snub Trent Boult, who has been quite inconsistent this year, and can replace him with Indian fast bowler Ashwani Kumar. Boult can be used as an impact sub player if needed.
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They also have domestic players like Naman Dhir, who has been quite brilliant in playing the new ball, and Vidharbha opener Danish Malewar.
Mumbai Indians’ likely XI vs Punjab Kings:
Ryan Rickelton (wk), Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwani Kumar.
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The Hardik Pandya-led side is lying in the ninth position in the points table, having won just one of the four matches they have played so far, and that too against KKR in their tournament opener. After that, they have lost three consecutive matches. At the same time, the Shreyas Iyer-led side is third, unbeaten so far, with 7 points. They have an upper edge in their head-to-head record against MI, having won three of their last five matches.