New Delhi: After getting completely dominated by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the initial overs, the yellow army made a tremendous comeback, courtesy a power-packed half-century from Rituraj Gaikwad. The young opener remained unbeaten on 88 runs off 58 balls with 9 fours and 4 sixes to propel Chennai to 156/6 against Mumbai at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and decided to bat first. However, what surprised everyone a bit during the toss was Kieron Pollard and not Rohit coming out for the toss. Mumbai is playing today's match without its regular captain Rohit Sharma and also decided to bench its star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. In Rohit's absence, Kieron Pollard is leading the team in this match. This is Pollard's sixth match as Mumbai Indians skipper in the IPL.
Anmolpreet Singh, who replaced Rohit in Mumbai's playing XI, got a chance to make his debut in IPL. It was Pollard who handed the debut cap to Anmolpreet. Saurabh Tiwary has been picked in the playing 11 in place of Hardik Pandya.
There are reports that Rohit has been rested due to his fitness as he is tired right now. However, even at the time of toss, Pollard did not give any information about why Rohit and Hardik were not picked in Mumbai's playing XI against Chennai. There are speculations that maybe Rohit, who arrived in UAE from England tour, was not ready for today's match.