'We'll make a decision...': Mahela Jayawardene clears the air on Rohit Sharma's availability for CSK vs MI

Mumbai Indians (MI) are all set for their next Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, May 2. MI fans have been impatiently waiting for the return of their 'Hitman' Rohit Sharma, who sustained a hamstring injury during MI's April 12 clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Although he has been frequently spotted training in the nets before every game, his comeback to the XI remains a mystery.

But now MI's head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, has spilled the beans on Sharma's comeback ahead of today's showdown.

Mahela Jayawardene on Rohit Sharma's return

Mahela Jayawardene, speaking to Cricbuzz, said that Rohit Sharma is putting in significant effort to return to the team, with his rehabilitation being monitored on a day-to-day basis by the medical staff. The Sri Lankan legend added that a final call on his inclusion will be taken on match day, while also praising Rohit’s commitment.

"He's working really hard to get back at it. So for us with the medical team, it's on a daily basis. We see how he feels, how he pulls up the next day. So we'll make a decision tomorrow. We'll see him practicing today as well. So let's see how he feels tomorrow and what the medical team will tell us."

Rohit Sharma has only played four games for the Mumbai Indians so far this season and has scored 137 runs at an average of above 45 while boasting an impressive strike rate of 165, scoring one fifty-plus score.

What Hardik Pandya said about Rohit's return

During the toss in MI's last game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday, April 29, captain Hardik Pandya was asked about Rohit's health and his possible return, to which Pandya said that he is still recovering and will miss at least a couple of games more. Based on Pandya’s remarks, Rohit Sharma could miss today’s match and possibly the next one as well.

Amid the Mumbai Indians' ongoing struggles, the side will be eager to have him back soon, as his experience could play a crucial role in stabilizing the team.