MI vs KKR: Has Rohit Sharma been dropped by Hardik Pandya in IPL 2024 Match 51 vs Kolkata Knight Riders today?

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MI vs KKR: Fans were surprised to see Rohit Sharma's name in Mumbai Indians' (MI) Impact Substitute list in their match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, May 3.

"Has Rohit Sharma been dropped?" was the question fans asked right after Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bowl first. But did Hardik Pandya really drop Rohit Sharma?

The answer is 'No'. The former Mumbai Indians captain found a place in the Mumbai Indians' Impact Substitutes list. Rohit Sharma understandably has a problem in his back, and took a precautionary measure ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 which starts next month.

Hardik also did not mention about Rohit being dropped for their match against the 2-time champions KKR. "Only one change, Naman Dhir comes in place of Nabi," he said at the toss.

Rohit Sharma was also seen chatting with Sachin Tendulkar ahead of the match. The 36-year-old held his back, and was seemingly talking about his back issue with the former India cricketer.

The Mumbai Indians opener is team's second-highest run-scorer after Tilak Varma this season. He has scored 315 runs in 10 matches at an average of 35 and a strike rate of 158.29.

He addressed a press conference alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Thursday. India squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 was announced on April 30, and Hardik Pandya has been named Rohit's deput for the ICC showpiece event.

"See, it is part of life. Not everything will go your way. It has been a great experience. Before (also), I have not been captain and I have played under a lot of captains. It is no different or new to me" the Indian captain said when he was asked about his experience of playing under Hardik Pandya in the ongoing Indian Premier League.