IPL 2021: Reason why MI skipper Rohit Sharma is not playing against CSK

The second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced on Sunday with the marquee game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The fans were eager to watch Rohit Sharma back in the T20 format after shining in Tests in England. But they were dealt with a huge blow as the talismanic cricketer didn’t walk out for the toss and it was Kieron Pollard instead of him.

Many were surprised to see Pollard walking out and were left wondering why the fan-favourite Rohit isn’t playing. The interim skipper Pollard though stated at the toss that the 34-year-old is fine and wouldn’t be away for a long time.

Interestingly, Rohit Sharma didn’t take the field in the second innings of the fourth Test at The Oval. It was told he is nursing a left knee injury and it could be related to the same injury. More so, with the T20 World Cup approaching, this could also be a precautionary step for him to not aggravate any injury.

“Rohit is okay, he’ll be fine sooner rather than later, I’m just the captain for today,” Pollard said at the toss. MI are also missing their all-rounder Hardik Pandya but the reason for the same was not mentioned at the toss.

CSK win the toss and opt to bat

CSK skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bat first. The biggest news for the Men in Yellow was Faf du Plessis got fit just before the game. He had sustained an injury during the CPL and didn’t play in the knockouts including the Final as well. Apart from Faf, Moeen Ali, Dwayne Bravo and Josh Hazlewood are the other three overseas players for CSK.

“We will bat first, looks like a good wicket. Setting a target will be a better option. It’s the same for everyone. I can’t say if it’s a good break or not. Once tournament starts, you get into some sort of rhythm but this season it’s new and maybe us cricketers will start loving it. Seven games, then a break, and seven more.

“It comes down to how you play on that day in the shortest form. We’ll try to do the basics right and focus on the process. Sam is not available. Faf, Moeen, Bravo and Josh are playing this game,” Dhoni said.