During the Mumbai Indians' (MI) match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 3, superstar batter Rohit Sharma was not named in MI's playing XI for the first time this season. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, MI skipper Hardik Pandya revealed the playing XI and Rohit Sharma was named in the 'Impact Subs' list of players. At the time, the decision came as a surprise mainly because Rohit had played in all the matches leading up to the clash against the KKR.
While Hardik Pandya didn't reveal the exact reason why the Hitman was removed from the playing XI and placed in the 'Impact Subs' pool, Piyush Chawla spilled the beans after the game.
The MI veteran spinner Chawla revealed that Rohit was having issues with his back and thus he was used as an 'Impact Sub', mainly as a precautionary measure.
"He (Rohit Sharma just had a mild back stiffness. "It was just a precautionary thing," Chawla said after the game.
Rohit walked out to open the innings along with Ishan Kishan but the Hitman failed to make a mark at Wankhede Stadium. Rohit could only manage to score 11 runs off 12 balls and was dismissed by Sunil Narine.
End of the road for Mumbai Indians
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians skittled to their eighth defeat of the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being beaten by 24 runs by KKR. With eight losses and just three wins in 11 matches, MI's hopes of making a late push for a playoff berth came to a screeching halt. Even if Mumbai wins their remaining three matches, they will only reach six victories in 14 matches, which won't be enough to seal a playoff berth.
Meanwhile, the Knight Riders all but sealed their place in the playoffs with the win over the Mumbai Indians. KKR have seven wins in 10 matches played this season so far.
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