MI Advised To Feature With Rohit Sharma As 'Batter Or Impact Player' In IPL 2026 High-Voltage Clash vs CSK

As Mumbai Indians get ready for a big match against their rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar feels the team should find a way to include Rohit Sharma in the playing XI. He said Rohit could play either as a specialist batter or come in as an impact player during the batting innings.

Ahead of the CSK clash there are speculations about Rohit's participation who is currently on the road to recovery from hamstring injury. Bangar believes that even if Rohit plays a limited role, it could still make a big difference for Mumbai.

“Even if it’s purely as a batter or impact player, MI should look to use him. Strong starts are crucial, and the most successful teams this season have had both batting and bowling firing together. If Rohit and Quinton de Kock can build a solid opening stand, it eases the pressure on Suryakumar Yadav and the middle order. At this stage, MI should consider taking a calculated risk on his fitness and use him as an impact substitute,” Bangar told JioStar.

Bangar shared his views at a time when Mumbai are still trying to find the right balance in their team, especially with senior players like Suryakumar Yadav and captain Hardik Pandya not performing consistently. However, the return of experienced players could give the team a much-needed lift.

Both CSK and MI have struggled with consistency this season and are currently in the lower half of the points table. Mumbai go into this match after an important win, thanks to a century by Tilak Varma. Bangar said that performances from key players show that the team still has confidence.

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“Confidence isn’t an issue for MI. The runs are coming from key players, with impactful hundreds by Quinton de Kock in an earlier game and Tilak Varma in the last one. Jasprit Bumrah taking the new ball was a positive, and the spinners have chipped in as well. Ghazanfar looks like a solid option alongside Santner. With Will Jacks available, MI are gradually settling into their best combination,” he said.

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With both teams eager to move up the table and get their campaigns back on track, Bangar’s comments highlight how important experience and the right team balance will be as Mumbai look to improve in one of the IPL’s biggest rivalries.