Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma was sidelined in the previous clash against LSG due to injury and was notably absent from the starting XI for the high-octane encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Wankhede stadium.

However, the 37-year-old was named in the list of Impact Players, signaling MI’s intent to deploy him strategically. While it was widely anticipated that Rohit would be introduced during the second innings to bolster the run chase, the team opted for an early move, bringing him into the playing XI at the end of the 15th over of the first innings itself.