Mumbai Indians (MI) leg-spinner Piyush Chawla revealed the reason behind Rohit Sharma’s absence from the field during the game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Piyush Chawla stated that Rohit Sharma was suffering from mild back stiffnesswhich raises doubts about his availability for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The MI management chose Rohit Sharma as an impact player instead of fielding him in the starting XI. Mumbai captain Hardik Pandya did not explain Rohit’s absence during the coin toss. Notably, the 37-year-old batsman is the second-best run-getter for Mumbai in the ongoing tournament.
The former Mumbai Indians captain managed to score 11 runs in 12 balls, including a six, during the run chase. Kolkata Knight Riders secured a 24-run win over Mumbai Indians on Friday, May 3. This defeat was MI’s first defeat in 12 years against KKR at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Rohit Sharma just had a slight back stiffness – Piyush Chawla
In a post-match interview, Piyush Chawla revealed that Rohit Sharma was not in the starting XI due to a slight back stiffness. Chawla explained that it was a precautionary measure to use Rohit as an impact player.
“He just had a little bit of back stiffness. It was just a precautionary measure,” Chawla said.
Rohit Sharma has had back problems in the past. The experienced opener was unable to play in the fifth Test against England in March due to a stiff back. The BCCI confirmed the news during the first session of the third day of play at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
Rohit Sharma could now opt for a much-needed break as Mumbai Indians are virtually eliminated from the IPL 2024 playoff contention. The Hardik Pandya-led team suffered its eighth defeat in 11 games. With 6 points they are currently second to last in the points table. They can reach a maximum of 12 in IPL 2024.
We failed to do that this season – Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla stressed that the team was struggling in all areas and explained that they have not found any momentum this season. Chawla acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the importance of being accepted in such situations.
“As a unit, I wouldn’t say it’s just about batting or just about bowling. It is the complete unit. T20 cricket is about momentum and we failed to achieve that this season,” Chawla said.
“It’s not like it’s the first time it’s happened to us or the second time to another team. It can happen to anyone. It’s just that this momentum wasn’t our path.“
“Like today, people thought chasing 170 runs in the Wankhede would be a piece of cake. But the wicket was different today. It was a bit sticky. The ball stopped and came. Sometimes the form is not with you as a unit and these things can happen. It hurts too, but you have to accept that.”
The Mumbai-based team will take on SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. May 6th.
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