IPL 2019: Siddhesh Lad replaces Rohit Sharma; Kieron Pollard to lead Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma got injured in the training session on Tuesday and since then there were speculations about his participation in the game against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). It was also unknown as to who will lead the Mumbai Indians (MI) if he misses out this game. Though the franchise didn’t reveal much about Rohit over the last 24 hours, it has finally been understood that Siddhesh Lad has replaced his skipper.

Lad is making his IPL debut and he deserves a chance after spending almost five seasons on the bench. Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard will lead the Mumbai side in the game as the franchise, in its statement released on their official website, confirmed that the team management has decided to rest Rohit Sharma as a precautionary measure.

“Rohit Sharma suffered a right leg muscle spasm yesterday during training. Rohit has recovered significantly in the past 24 hours. As a precautionary measure, Mumbai Indians management has decided to rest Rohit for one match, i.e. vs KXIP. Mumbai Indians will be led by Kieron Pollard today,” the statement read.

Mayank and Mujeeb not playing

While Rohit Sharma was the only exclusion from the MI’s team, the Kings XI Punjab made a couple of changes to their line-up. Mayank Agarwal sustained a finger injury and not playing Mujeeb Ur Rahman is one of their tactics which they’ve stuck to for the whole season so far. Karun Nair and Hardus Viljoen have replaced them.

“We would have bowled first too but teams have defended well on this track. We have a forced change in our team, Mayank has not recovered from his finger injury so Karun Nair will replace him. And Hardus Viljoen also comes back in the team. He will replace Mujeeb. Spinners have struggled to bowl 8 overs on this pitch so we have added an extra seamer,” Ashwin said at the toss.

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