IPL 2025: Why is Sandeep Sharma not included in RR playing XI for match No. 50 against MI

Akash Madhwal replaced Sandeep Sharma in RR’s playing XI vs MI.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are locking horns in match No. 50 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The RR vs MI clash is currently underway at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur – the home venue of RR. The home side is led by Riyan Parag as Sanju Samson is still recovering from his abdominal injury. Another player Sandeep Sharma has been left out of the playing XI.

Hardik Pandya is the captain of the visitors MI in IPL 2025. RR skipper Parag won the toss and chose to bowl first in the clash. While MI are one of the strongest teams in the tournament, RR are among the worst performers. The Pandya & Co. won their last five clashes in a row with ease.

MI have won six games out of 10 and lost four. With 12 points, they are stationed in the third spot in the points table. On the other hand, RR have won just three games and lost seven out of 10. They won their last match against Gujarat Titans (GT) at home. Now, they aim for a consecutive victory against MI. However, they face a tough challenge against the visitors.

Why is Sandeep Sharma not included in RR’s playing XI vs MI

During the toss, RR captain Parag revealed why Sandeep Sharma was not included in the playing XI for the game. He informed that the right-arm pacer has broken his finger. Sharma will also miss the remainder of IPL 2025 as he has been ruled out of the tournament. RR will announce a replacement soon. The Royals have included Akash Madhwal as Sharma’s replacement for the match.

“If we play to our potential, we know how good we can be. Just want to give everyone the freedom to play their game. Couple of changes, (Wanindu) Hasaranga has a niggle, Kumar Kartikeya comes in, Sandy (Sandeep Sharma) bhai has broken his finger so (Akash) Madhwal comes in,” Parag said during the toss.

Sharma showed decent form in IPL 2025. He grabbed nine wickets across 10 games at an economy of 9.89. Notably, Madhwal formerly represented MI in the IPL. He made his debut in the tournament in 2023.

He played a key role for MI to win the Eliminator clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in that season. Madhwal picked up a five-wicket haul in that game. He grabbed a lot of limelight after his performance in that crucial game. RR bought Madhwal for INR 1.20 crores at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

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