Mumbai Indians (MI) leg-spinner Piyush Chawla revealed the reason behind Rohit Sharma’s absence from the field during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Piyush Chawla stated that Rohit Sharma experienced slight stiffness in his back.generating doubts about his availability for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
MI management chose Rohit Sharma as an impact player instead of fielding him in the playing XI. Mumbai captain Hardik Pandya did not explain Rohit’s absence during the toss. Notably, the 37-year-old batsman is Mumbai’s second-best run-getter in the ongoing tournament.
The former Mumbai Indians captain managed to score 11 runs off 12 balls, including a six, during the run chase. Kolkata Knight Riders recorded a 24-run victory over Mumbai Indians on Friday, May 3. This defeat marked MI’s first defeat in 12 years against KKR at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Rohit Sharma just had a slight stiffness in his back – Piyush Chawla
During a post-match interview, Piyush Chawla revealed that Rohit Sharma was absent from the starting XI due to slight back stiffness. Chawla stated that it was a precautionary measure to bring in Rohit as an impact player.
“I just had a slight stiffness in my back. It was just a precautionary measure,” Chawla said.
Rohit Sharma has experienced back problems in the past. During the fifth Test against England in March, the veteran opener did not play due to back stiffness. The BCCI confirmed the news during the first session of the third day of play at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.
Rohit Sharma can now opt for a much-needed rest with Mumbai Indians virtually out of contention for the playoffs of IPL 2024. The Hardik Pandya-led team has faced its eighth defeat in 11 matches. They are currently second to last in the points table with 6 points. They can reach a maximum of 12 in IPL 2024.
We didn’t get that this season – Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla highlighted that the team struggled in all departments and stated that they did not get the momentum this season. Chawla acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the importance of acceptance in such situations.
“As a unit, I won’t say it’s just about batting or just about bowling. It is the complete unit. T20 cricket is all about momentum, and we didn’t get that this season,” Chawla said.
“It’s not like it’s happening to us for the first time or to any other team for the second time. It can happen to anyone. The thing is that that impulse was not ours.”
“Like today, people thought chasing 170 runs at Wankhede would be a piece of cake. But the wicket was different today. It was a little sticky. The ball stopped and came. Sometimes the form is not with you as a unit and these things can happen. It also hurts, but you have to accept it.”
The Mumbai-based team will take on SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. May 6th.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: ICC announces Match Officials Panel for World Cup; 3 Indians included
Read the articles of the LSG vs KKR match