Zaheer Khan and Manoj Tiwary Weigh MI’s Options if Rohit Sharma Is Unavailable
Zaheer Khan and Manoj Tiwary discuss how Mumbai Indians could cover for Rohit Sharma against Punjab Kings and how best to use Jasprit Bumrah.
By SportCricket Desk · 16 Apr 2026 · 2 min read
With Rohit Sharma’s fitness in doubt ahead of Mumbai Indians’ game against Punjab Kings, two former India players have set out how the team might adjust.
Zaheer’s options
Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan said MI have several ways to replace Rohit at the top. He suggested that either Naman Dhir or Suryakumar Yadav could open alongside Ryan Rickelton.
Zaheer added that Mumbai could also bring in an overseas player, but that would mean giving up a bowler and so thin out the attack. He made the comments on Cricbuzz, noting that Suryakumar has opened before.
Tiwary’s view
Former India all-rounder Manoj Tiwary suggested that Rohit could still be used as an Impact Player if the injury is not serious. He stressed his value in the powerplay, saying that even at 90 per cent fitness Rohit should bat because nobody uses those overs better.
Bumrah and the new ball
Tiwary also commented on Jasprit Bumrah’s wicketless start to the season. In his view the reason is that Bumrah is not being given the new ball. He argued that MI should give him two new-ball overs more regularly, particularly with Trent Boult not yet in peak rhythm.
