Will Rohit Sharma play today against CSK? MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene said in the pre-match press conference on May 1 that the decision will be taken on match day based on how Rohit’s body responds. “It’s progressed well. He’s working really hard to get back at it. For us on the medical team, it’s daily. We see how he feels, how he pulls up the next day. So, we’ll make a decision tomorrow,” Jayawardene said.
Rohit has now missed four consecutive matches with a hamstring injury — against Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, CSK at the Wankhede, and Sunrisers Hyderabad — and has not played competitive cricket since April 12. He turned 39 on May 1, and PTI photos from training at Chepauk on Friday show the former MI captain batting in the nets alongside Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. But batting in the nets and being cleared for a match are two very different things, and MI’s medical team will have the final say ahead of CSK vs MI today.
(This article will be updated at toss time with the confirmed playing XIs and Rohit’s availability.)
ALSO READ: Will MS Dhoni Play Today Against Mumbai Indians?
(updated on May 2, 2026 before CSK vs MI)
Rohit Sharma Injury Update: What Happened And How Long Has He Been Out?
The Rohit Sharma hamstring injury occurred during the MI vs RCB IPL 2026 match on April 12 at the Wankhede Stadium. Rohit was batting on 19 when he pulled up with the hamstring complaint and was forced to retire hurt after just 13 deliveries. He has not played since.
This is now a 20-day absence spanning four matches — far longer than what MI initially expected. Captain Hardik Pandya provided a blunt update at the toss before the MI vs SRH match on April 29: “Rohit’s going to take a couple of more games. He’s been trying, it’s not up to the mark, so not available for the team.”
Jayawardene’s tone on May 1 was slightly more optimistic than Pandya’s, but still non-committal. He confirmed Rohit had been training and would practice again on Friday, with the medical team making the call on Saturday morning. Given that Pandya said “a couple of more games” just three days ago, the most realistic expectation is that Rohit remains doubtful for tonight’s match.
Before the injury, Rohit had been MI’s most impactful batter — scoring 137 runs in four matches at an average of 45.67 and a strike rate of nearly 165. His match-winning 78 off 38 balls in MI’s season-opening victory over Kolkata Knight Riders remains one of the best innings of IPL 2026.
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Will Rohit Sharma Play Against CSK Today?
Will Rohit Sharma play today? Based on everything from the MI camp, it is unlikely — but not impossible.
Signs pointing toward Rohit missing out: Pandya said at the SRH toss on April 29 that Rohit needs “a couple of more games.” That was three days ago, and hamstring recoveries do not accelerate in 72 hours. MI have also used 22 different players across their first eight matches this season — they are comfortable making changes and will not rush Rohit back if the medical team has any concerns, especially given his age. The fact that Jayawardene’s language was “we’ll make a decision tomorrow” rather than “he’s good to go” is telling.
Signs pointing toward Rohit playing: He batted in the nets at Chepauk on Friday, facing deliveries without any visible strapping or discomfort. Both teams trained at Chepauk simultaneously, and PTI captured photos of Rohit alongside the MI squad — not in a separate recovery session. Jayawardene’s phrasing was more positive than Pandya’s from three days earlier, suggesting Rohit may have made progress in the interim. And this is CSK vs MI at Chepauk — effectively a knockout match for MI — where Rohit’s experience against spin on a turning Chennai surface could be invaluable.
Is Rohit Sharma playing today’s match? The decision rests entirely with the medical team. Expect a game-day fitness test before the toss at 7:00 PM IST.
CSK vs MI Playing XI: What Changes If Rohit Returns?
MI’s last playing XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad was: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Robin Minz, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar.
If Rohit plays, the most likely change is Ryan Rickelton making way at the top of the order. Rickelton has scored 260 runs in six matches this season, including a record-breaking fastest MI century against SRH, so dropping him is not straightforward. However, Rohit’s seniority and the significance of this fixture may tip the balance.
Alternatively, MI could drop Robin Minz and push Rohit to the top with Rickelton keeping wicket — but that would weaken their lower-order options.
MI Predicted Playing XI (if Rohit plays): Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar
MI Predicted Playing XI (if Rohit misses): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Robin Minz, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar
(Playing XIs to be confirmed at toss — 7:00 PM IST)
CSK have their own injury drama. Will MS Dhoni play today against Mumbai Indians? The former captain has missed all nine matches this season with a calf injury and has not yet communicated his decision to the CSK management. Batting coach Michael Hussey said: “Once he feels confident in his calf, I’m sure he’ll give the signal. We’re waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting.”
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CSK vs MI IPL 2026: Why This Match Is Do-Or-Die For Mumbai Indians
MI sit ninth on the IPL 2026 points table with just 4 points from eight matches (2 wins, 6 losses). They need to win virtually every remaining match to have any realistic shot at the playoffs. A loss tonight at Chepauk would effectively end their season.
The numbers are damning. MI have lost six of their eight games this season, used 22 different players in search of a winning combination, and their inconsistency has been the story of IPL 2026. The reverse fixture at the Wankhede on April 23 was a disaster — CSK thrashed them by 103 runs in MI’s biggest loss in IPL history.
CSK are marginally better placed — sixth with 6 points from nine matches — but equally desperate. They have won just three of their nine games, and the CSK playoff qualification path requires winning at least four of their remaining five matches. The injury crisis — Ayush Mhatre ruled out, Khaleel Ahmed ruled out, and Dhoni’s nine-match absence — has left CSK stretched thin.
For both teams, tonight at Chepauk is a match neither can afford to lose.
Will Rohit Sharma Play Today? The Bottom Line
Will Rohit Sharma play today against CSK? Unlikely, based on Pandya’s “couple of more games” comment from three days ago. But Jayawardene’s slightly warmer tone and the images of Rohit batting in the Chepauk nets leave room for a late surprise.
If Rohit misses out, MI will back the same XI that featured against SRH — with Will Jacks, Rickelton, and Trent Boult forming the overseas core. If he plays, it changes the complexion of MI’s top order and gives them the experience they desperately need on a Chepauk surface that could turn. Either way, this is a match where every decision — from the toss to the team sheet — will carry season-defining weight.
This article will be updated with confirmed playing XIs and Rohit Sharma’s availability at toss time.
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