MUMBAI, Apr 14: Uncertainty prevailed over Rohit Sharma’s availability for the Indian Premier League clash between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, even as the senior batter engaged in a light training session here on Wednesday.
Rohit had walked off during MI’s batting innings in the sixth over after experiencing discomfort in his hamstring during last Sunday’s high-scoring clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium.
Rohit was batting on 19 off 13 balls when he retired hurt, with Mumbai Indians going on to lose the match by 18 runs — their third successive defeat this season.
“The medical team and the coaching staff are assessing him and we will get to know,” a team official said at the start of MI’s training session on Wednesday.
However, later in the evening, Rohit turned up at Wankhede Stadium and went through a light training session, further fuelling speculation over his availability. He had missed the team’s training session here on Tuesday.
Accompanied by a couple of support staff members, Rohit ran gingerly from one end of the field to another before receiving additional strapping on his right leg.
With that, Rohit was not only able to do light warm-ups but also run with relative ease. In between, he was also engaged in discussions with the support staff before going through some light jogging, including short-step drills. He, however, did not attempt any sprinting.
The 38-year-old then padded up to face net bowlers and throwdown specialists.
While batting, Rohit did not appear to be in any visible discomfort, even dancing down the track on one occasion to loft the ball with ease into the Dilip Vengsarkar Stand.
Rohit batted for less than half an hour in the nets before Mumbai Indians, who have lost three consecutive matches after winning their tournament opener, wrapped up the training session.
Meanwhile, England all-rounder Will Jacks was said to be “on his way” to join the Mumbai Indians squad, having missed all four of their matches so far this season and set to miss Thursday’s game as well.
Jacks, along with New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, who has now played two games so far, had asked for an extended period of time before joining the squad in India. (PTI)
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