India, April 23 -- Neither MS Dhoni nor Rohit Sharma featured in the first 'El Clasico' of IPL 2026. Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, who won the toss and opted to bowl at the Wankhede Stadium, named an unchanged XI from the side that beat Gujarat Titans three days ago, confirming that the injured Rohit was still not ready to return. Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, made just one change - and it wasn't the one many were expecting.

Dhoni, who suffered a calf injury ahead of the season, had been spotted batting and keeping at the Wankhede nets on the eve of the match, raising strong expectations of a comeback. However, the wait continued on Thursday, with the veteran not even turning up at the venue on match day.

While the net session...