Mumbai Indians will be without the services of their regular captain Rohit Sharma in the clash against Kings XI Punjab at the Wankhede Stadium. He had suffered an injury in the practice session and there were doubts over his participation for the 24th match of IPL 2019.

Rohit indeed had to miss out as the team management opted not to risk him. In his absence, Kieron Pollard walked out for the toss along with Ravichandran Ashwin of Kings XI. The Mumbai-based franchise released an official statement on the injury of the regular captain.

“Rohit Sharma suffered a right leg muscle spasm yesterday during training. Rohit has recovered significantly in the past 24 hours. As a precautionary measure, Mumbai Indians management has decided to rest Rohit for one match, i.e. vs KXIP. Mumbai Indians will be led by Kieron Pollard today,” read the statement from Mumbai Indians.

To replace Rohit in the side, Siddhesh Lad was brought in. Before the match, Rohit himself gave him the cap as Lad made his debut for the team. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Pollard said, “Rohit is fine but as a precautionary measure, we have decided to give him as a rest. Siddhesh Lad comes in place of Rohit. He has waited for 5 years to make his debut.”

Mumbai is placed No.5 on the IPL 2019 points table after winning 3 matches out of 5. On the other hand, KXIP is currently placed at 3 with 4 wins from 6 matches. As the tournament reaches the halfway stage, each game becomes important. Both teams would be looking to keep the winning momentum going.

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