The Mumbai Indians' challenging start to the season has taken a worrying turn. Following an 18-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the franchise is now grappling with a potential injury to their iconic opener, Rohit Sharma.

In a high-octane chase of 241 at the Wankhede Stadium, MI's innings suffered a major jolt when Sharma, who had raced to 19 off just 13 balls, was forced to retire hurt with a hamstring issue. His early exit disrupted a powerful start and shifted momentum at a critical juncture.

While Sherfane Rutherford's blistering 71* off 31 balls provided late fireworks, the total ultimately proved just out of reach. After the match, Rutherford confirmed the hamstring concern but could not detail its severity, leaving the MI camp in anxious wait for a full medical assessment.

This injury scare compounds the pressure on a team already searching for answers, having now suffered three consecutive losses. All eyes will be on Rohit Sharma's recovery timeline, as his fitness is not just crucial for Mumbai's batting order but for the morale of the entire squad moving forward.