On Saturday, the Mumbai Indians head to MA Chidambaram Stadium for a clash with the Chennai Super Kings that could shape their entire campaign, almost like an Indian Premier League derby moment. Missing Rohit Sharma up front has left a hole too big to ignore, one the team hasn’t managed to patch despite repeated tries.

Inconsistent showings pile up alongside growing injuries, pushing them down to ninth spot now. Five titles behind them mean little right now as they face the real test of depth without their most trusted player around.

Twenty days out, the ex-skipper still holds the record for most runs in Mumbai's IPL journey. A few matches longer without him, said Hardik Pandya, speaking at the pre-game coin flip last time around.

Progress has been happening, just not quite fast enough for match fitness. Healing from a pulled hamstring keeps slowing things down. Still not ready to rejoin the lineup. Efforts have shown, yet full sharpness hasn’t clicked back into place.

The Hamstring Situation of Rohit Sharma: Why the wait continues

That match on April 12 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru marked Rohit's last outing for Mumbai. During his time at bat, a strain in his leg muscle made him step away from play entirely. Now spotted practicing gently in the net area, doing short runs and basic movements.

Yet those managing his health seem hesitant, worried an early comeback might worsen the issue. The healing process takes priority over rushed appearances.

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Worse luck would be hard to imagine. While he's been out, Mumbai tried different openers - Quinton de Kock first, then Danish Malewar, lately Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks, yet each failed to match the fast-paced spark Rohit brought when fit.

The fight for a top-four spot is turning into a numbers puzzle no one likes. That "few games left" window hints that he could come back just before the playoffs if everything goes smoothly by then.

Mumbai Indians' Best XI vs CSK

With Rohit Sharma out, Mumbai Indians are expected to field the same playing XI. Will Jacks will open an innings in Rohit's absence, keeping Quinton de Kock on the bench. Suryakumar Yadav's form is a big worry, but the management is unlikely to make any changes to their middle order.

With the ball, Trent Boult was impressive in the last game and is expected to hold his position. Keshav Maharaj, who replaced injured Mitchell Santner, is unlikely to find a place with Allah Ghazanfar taking regular wickets in the middle overs.

MI Predicted XI: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Robin Minz, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Allah Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar.

Impact player: Shardul Thakur

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