IPL 2025: Why Rohit Sharma isn't included in Mumbai Indians' playing XI against LSG, Match 16

Rohit Sharma managed scores of 0, 8 and 13 in his first three matches for MI this season.

The 16th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is currently underway between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

Both the teams came face to face in tonight’s game having won only one match in their first three encounters so far. Talking about the game, MI captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to field first in the game.

Meanwhile, at the toss it was confirmed that MI’s senior batter Rohit Sharma isn’t included in their playing XI. Given that he scored only 21 runs in first three innings this season, many fans have speculated the reason behind his absence.

Rohit Sharma got hit on the knees during the nets: Hardik Pandya

However, during the toss, MI skipper Pandya revealed why Rohit Sharma is not part of MI’s playing XI for the encounter against LSG. Pandya revealed that Sharma got hit on his knees during the practice session.

“Rohit got hit on the knees in the nets and he misses out today,” Hardik Pandya said at the toss. Notably, Sharma has struggled to score runs in IPL 2025 so far as an opener.

The right-handed batsman got out for a duck in his side’s first clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which they lost by four wickets. Sharma scored eight and 13 runs in MI’s next two games against Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) respectively.

Overseas all-rounder Will Jacks will most probably replace Sharma in the opener’s slot in tonight’s game.

Meanwhile, MI are eyeing their second victory of the tournament against LSG. After losing the first two games against CSK and GT, MI made a comeback in the previous clash against KKR with a victory by eight wickets.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.