The cricketing world has its eyes firmly fixed on the Wankhede Stadium as the Mumbai Indians (MI) prepare to host the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) tonight, Thursday, 23 April. However, the primary talking point ahead of the 33rd match of IPL 2026 remains the fitness of former captain Rohit Sharma, who is battling to be match-ready for the season's first "El Clasico." You can follow Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Match Scorecard here.

Rohit has missed Mumbai’s previous two fixtures against Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans due to a hamstring injury sustained during the clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 12 April.

Rohit Sharma's Latest Fitness and Net Session Reports

Encouraging signs emerged from the Mumbai Indians’ camp during the pre-match training sessions on Wednesday. Rohit was seen participating in a controlled batting routine in the nets, where he batted in tandem with CSK’s MS Dhoni, who is also facing fitness concerns.

Rohit looked comfortable facing throwdowns and spinners, he appeared to adopt a cautious approach, avoiding expansive shots and high-intensity running between the wickets. The team management, led by captain Hardik Pandya and the medical staff, is expected to make a final call on his participation just before the toss.

Rohit Sharma as Impact Player?

If Rohit is deemed fit enough to bat but not yet ready for the physical rigours of 20 overs in the field, Mumbai may utilise the Impact Player rule. This would allow him to open the batting and provide the explosive start Mumbai needs at the Wankhede without risking a recurrence of the hamstring strain while fielding. Rohit Sharma Reaches 6000 Indian Premier League Runs For Mumbai Indians.

Should he be ruled out entirely, Danish Malewar is expected to continue his stint at the top of the order alongside Quinton de Kock. The stakes for tonight's match are unusually high for both five-time champions. Both MI and CSK are currently languishing in the bottom half of the IPL 2026 points table, each having secured only two wins from their first six matches.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2026 12:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).