IPL 2026: Why is Rohit Sharma not playing today in MI vs PBKS clash?

In the 24th game of the IPL 2026, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians are hosting Punjab Kings at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday night (April 16). The MI squad has experienced some crucial changes for the match, especially their former five-time IPL winning captain Rohit Sharma is missing from the squad. 

Mumbai Indians are under pressure early in the IPL 2026. Although they started with a historic win against Kolkata Knight Riders in their season opener, which was their first season opener win since the IPL 2013, MI have lost their next three matches. Although it is an early period of the IPL 2026, consistent long defeats have put any team in early danger of missing the Playoffs. 

Currently, MI are in the ninth position in the IPL 2026 points table with two points after four matches. Only the three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders are behind them with only one point after five games, as they have recorded four defeats and one no result. 

Mumbai Indians facing in-form Punjab Kings

On Thursday night, hosts Mumbai Indians are facing Punjab Kings, the IPL 2014 and 2025 runners-up. Punjab Kings are the in-form team this season, as they are the only unbeaten team this season. In their first four games of the season, PBKS recorded three wins and one no result, as they are in the third position in the points table with seven points in four games. 

Injured Rohit Sharma is not playing, Mitchell Santner also misses  

During their previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home, MI opener Rohit Sharma was injured, which seemed to be a hamstring injury. It was very clear that Rohit would miss the home match against Punjab Kings, while the former MI captain was present in the stadium with the team. At toss, present MI skipper Hardik Pandya confirmed that Rohit would miss the game. He further added that his fitness would be assessed in a couple of games' time.

While Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer chose to field first in the away match against MI, the hosts are also missing the New Zealand bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner. MI skipper Hardik clarified that the left-arm spinner was unwell, as he would miss the game. 

Meanwhile, the New Zealand left-arm pacer Trent Boult is also missing the game against Punjab Kings. It is his second straight game to miss the season, while he has played three matches, picking up only one wicket.