Why was Rohit Sharma dropped from the starting XI? MI star and World Cup winner reveals why

Mumbai Indians (MI) suffered their 8th defeat in IPL 2024 on Friday, falling at the expense of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium. Chasing a sub-par 170, Mumbai lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs. The victory saw KKR end their 12-year winless run in the MI den. The defeat, on the other hand, leaves MI all but out of IPL 2024. After the match, MI spinner Piyush Chawla shared a fitness update on former captain Rohit Sharma, who was not named in the playing XI but left to hit while chasing.

Chawla revealed that Rohit had some stiffness in his back so they decided not to risk him while fielding.

“Rohit Sharma had just a slight stiffness in his back, so it was just a precautionary measure,” Chawla said in the post-match press conference.

Talking about the loss to KKR, Chawla said it was just a unique day as the team failed to click.

“If you talk about the wicket, it was good but sticky at first and the credit goes to the KKR players, they played really well. Sometimes it happens that things aren’t going your way and the other team comes and shoots in really good areas. . It was just a day off,” he added.

Chawla further said that the Mumbai franchise will now play for their pride and reputation in the remaining games of the 17th edition of the cash-rich league.

“We are going to play for our pride and reputation because sometimes you enter the field and you never know if you are going to qualify or not. You have to play for your name and that is what we are playing for,” the former Indian cricketer said. .

Chawla said T20 cricket is all about momentum and that is what the team has failed to achieve so far in the ongoing tournament.

“As a unit, I don’t say it’s just about batting or bowling, it’s just the complete unit. You must have heard that T20 cricket is all about momentum and it’s just that we haven’t gone into this season. for any team, this is not happening to us,” the leg-spinner said.

(With ANI inputs)