Rohit Sharma has returned to the nets in Ahmedabad as Mumbai Indians prepare for a crucial IPL 2026 match against Gujarat Titans on 20 April at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Rohit Sharma eyes GT vs MI return after hamstring scare
MI bowling coach Paras Mhambrey confirmed that Rohit is batting in the nets and is still being monitored by the medical team and head coach Mahela Jayawardene. Mumbai are currently ninth in the standings with just two points, so this match is a must-win for a five-time champion side that is quickly running out of time to turn their season around.
"Rohit is batting at the nets in Ahmedabad, and he continues to be evaluated by the medical team and Mahela, the head coach"
How did Rohit Sharma pick up the injury?
During the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 12 April, the 38-year-old suffered a hamstring injury. He had scored 19 runs off 13 balls before the physio came onto the field to check on him. Rohit tried to play through the discomfort for a few more balls, but the pain eventually forced him to leave the field, retired hurt.
MI lost that chase by 18 runs, and the injury kept Rohit out of the next two matches, leaving a big hole in the batting order. Quinton de Kock stepped in as opener and played well, hitting a century on his return, but MI still struggled for consistency without their senior opener at the top.
A tale of two teams heading into the Ahmedabad showdown
After five matches, Hardik Pandya’s side have just one win and four losses, sitting ninth with a net run rate of -1.076. Gujarat Titans are in much better form. Following their third straight win, the Titans moved up to fourth in the IPL 2026 standings with six points from five games. They now host Mumbai Indians at their home ground in Ahmedabad.
Captain Shubman Gill hit his third consecutive half-century during the win over KKR, finishing with 86 off 50 balls, including eight fours and four sixes. It was a knock that showed he is in great form. Kagiso Rabada led the bowling attack with 3/29, making GT look like a very balanced side at home.
What do the Mumbai Indians need from Rohit Sharma now?
Rohit Sharma has played 276 IPL matches, scoring 7,183 runs at a strike rate of 132.60, with two centuries and 48 half-centuries. Those stats show why his experience at the top of the order is so important, especially when MI need a solid start.
Mumbai Indians need a winning streak to stay in the playoff race, as every loss now makes the path much harder. The medical team is still checking on Rohit, but the viral footage from Narendra Modi Stadium showing him batting well in the nets gives MI fans a real reason to be hopeful.
GT vs MI on 20 April is set to be one of the biggest games of the IPL 2026 season; a home side in good form against a visiting team that really need their veteran opener fit and ready.
