'They have an overseas option to choose from' - Zaheer Khan picks Rohit Sharma's replacement for MI vs PBKS clash

Published - 16 Apr 2026, 15:46 IST | Updated - 16 Apr 2026, 16:07 IST

Rohit Sharma will miss the Mumbai Indians' upcoming clash against the Punjab Kings, which will be held at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 16. He sustained a hamstring injury in the last game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and had to leave the field.

Former India speedster Zaheer Khan suggested that either Naman Dhir or Suryakumar Yadav could be promoted to open the batting with Ryan Rickelton for the game against Punjab. Otherwise, Zaheer said Mumbai can go for an overseas player as Rohit's replacement, but then they will have to sacrifice a bowler.

"They have an option in the form of Naman Dhir. If Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to injury, we might see Naman Dhir opening. Suryakumar Yadav has also opened the batting in the past. So, they can adjust that way too. They have an overseas option to choose from, but then you might have to sacrifice a bowler," Zaheer said on Cricbuzz.

Meanwhile, Manoj Tiwary opined that Rohit could be used as an Impact Player if the injury is not too serious. The former India all-rounder said that Rohit is Mumbai's best option with the bat to capitalise on the power play overs.

"They can use Rohit Sharma as an Impact Player. It is a different thing if he is not fit at all. Even if he is a 90 per cent fit, he should bat because no one can utilize the powerplay better than Rohit among Indian players," he remarked during the same discussion.

Surprisingly, Jasprit Bumrah is yet to pick up a wicket after playing four matches this season. Tiwary urged the MI management to give the talismanic speedster the new ball, especially with Trent Boult not being in great rhythm.

"He hasn't picked up a wicket because they are not giving him the new ball. I don't know where I should protest. You bring him as the first change when you want to take Virat Kohli or Phil Salt's wicket. That too, when Trent Boult hasn't found his rhythm. When you have Bumrah, give him two overs with the new ball," he added.