IPL 2025: Why is Rohit Sharma not playing for Mumbai Indians vs LSG?

Mumbai Indians (MI) won the toss and chose to bowl first in the 16th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are coming into the game on the back of their loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS). Massive news came from the Ekana Stadium that former MI skipper Rohit Sharma isn’t playing the game. 

Raj Angad Bawa, the former Under-19 World Cup winner, has been handed his debut cap. Hardik Pandya mentioned that Rohit Sharma was hit on his knees while batting in the nets ahead of the game. LSG also made one change to their side as Akash Deep came in for M Siddharth. 

Jasprit Bumrah, who has been out of the game since January, is slowly working his way back to fitness. Pandya was asked to give an update on Bumrah, to which he simply said, “He should be back soon”. MI come into the game after beating Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets in the previous encounter. 

Huge match for both MI and LSG in IPL 2025

Ahead of the game, as the two teams were having the nets, Rohit Sharma could be heard telling LSG mentor Zaheer Khan. "I have done whatever is to be done. I don't think I need to change anything". The duo were joined by Rishabh Pant, who gave Rohit a playful hug.

Speaking at the toss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya said, “We are gonna bowl first. Looks like a fresh wicket. Not sure how it is going to play. Looks a decent track. Dew might come in later. Thought better to chase. I think we in a group have spoken that we don't want to talk about the wickets. We are here to play good cricket. That's the talk we have. Let's not talk about the surfaces. I think adaptation. Sticking to the right plans and being smart”

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant said, “I think we are pretty confident as a batting unit. A very strong unit. A few of our players haven't come off, including me. We had talked about playing in this fashion throughout the tournament. The general discussion is to go out there and express yourself. We haven't talked about the target we want to achieve. Just play the ball and watch the ball, and react. I think we are pretty confident. The way I have set myself up. Once we get a start, we will capitalize”