Mumbai Indians are waiting on a final decision from Rohit Sharma about his availability for their match against Lucknow Super Giants, a fixture that both teams badly need to win.
On the eve of the game the 39-year-old batted for close to an hour and went through fitness drills, a strong sign that he could be back in action.
What his return would mean
If Rohit plays, he is expected to open with Ryan Rickelton, and Will Jacks could drop into a finishing role. Hardik Pandya’s side have won only two of their nine matches this season, so Rohit’s experience and stability would be a major lift.
Before the injury he suffered in the April 12 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he had scored 137 runs in four innings at an average of 34.25 and a strike rate of 165.07.
Both teams under pressure
Lucknow are in a similar position, having won two and lost six, which leaves them near the bottom of the table. With both sides in poor form, Monday’s contest is close to a knockout, and the losing team is likely to see its playoff hopes fade.
