IPL 2019 | Rohit Sharma misses his first IPL match in 11 years

Rohit Sharma has been a mainstay in the Mumbai Indians matchday squad ever since he joined the franchise back in 2011. Sharm took over the captaincy of the Mumbai-based franchise later on and in the 2013 season led MI to their maiden IPL title. In the same year, Sharma & Co. also completed a grand double when they clinched the Champions League T20 title. Sharma’s leadership was put to the test in the 2015 season after the team won just one of their first six games looked destined to miss out the play-offs.

However, the Mumbai Indians then staged a remarkable turnaround and lifted the Trophy for the second time with a convincing win in the final. Rohit, who made a half-century, was named the Player of the Match. The Indian opener missed his first IPL match in over 11 years after having suffered a muscle spasm. The last game that Rohit did not play in was against Chennai Super Kings on May 27, 2008.

"Rohit Sharma had suffered right leg muscle spasm yesterday during training. Rohit has recovered significantly in past 24 hours. As a precautionary measure, Mumbai Indians management has decided to rest Rohit for one match," the team management revealed in a statement.

The 31-year-old limped out of a practice session on the eve of the game and was replaced as captain veteran MI player - Kieron Pollard. Local batsman Siddhesh Lad will make his IPL debut in Rohit's absence.