IPL 2025: Why is Rohit Sharma not in Playing XI of Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

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MI vs RCB: In a twist that has fans and pundits buzzing, Mumbai Indians (MI) have chosen to exclude their talismanic opener and former captain Rohit Sharma from the playing XI in their crucial IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Monday.

MI skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing conditions in Mumbai as favourable for seamers early on.

But the biggest headline wasn’t about who was playing — it was about who wasn’t. Rohit Sharma, the face of MI for over a decade, was notably absent from the starting XI.

Why has Rohit Sharma been excluded?

Rohit had missed MI’s previous game against Lucknow Super Giants due to a knee injury sustained during training. While fans held their breath for an update, Pandya brought some relief at the toss, confirming, “Rohit is available today.” However, despite being fit enough to play, MI have opted to keep him as one of their five impact substitutes — a tactical decision likely driven by his recent recovery and form concerns.

Rohit has featured in just two of MI’s three matches this season, both times as an impact player. He made a full start against Gujarat Titans but played the role of a substitute in the game versus Kolkata Knight Riders, replacing debutant spinner Vignesh Puthur in the second innings. In another selfless gesture for team balance, the Indian skipper had stepped aside to allow Puthur his debut against Chennai Super Kings.

The move appears to be part of a broader MI strategy, one that allows Rohit to preserve his fitness while still being available to make a decisive impact with the bat. His current form hasn’t exactly lit up the season, and with the Impact Player rule offering more flexibility, MI seem to be playing their cards cautiously — giving Rohit the best chance to shine when it matters most.

With RCB putting up a competitive XI featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (captain for the night), and the explosive Liam Livingstone, MI will likely turn to Rohit in the second innings if the chase demands experience and composure at the top.

Mumbai Indians Playing XI

• Will Jacks
• Ryan Rickelton (wk)
• Suryakumar Yadav
• Tilak Varma
• Hardik Pandya (c)
• Naman Dhir
• Mitchell Santner
• Deepak Chahar
• Trent Boult
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Vignesh Puthur

Impact Players

• Rohit Sharma
• Robin Minz
• Raj Angad Bawa
• Corbin Bosch
• Ashwani Kumar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI

• Philip Salt
• Virat Kohli
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Rajat Patidar (c)
• Liam Livingstone
• Jitesh Sharma (wk)
• Tim David
• Krunal Pandya
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar
• Josh Hazlewood
• Yash Dayal

As for Rohit, the spotlight will remain fixed. Whether he walks out as an impact substitute or continues to nurse his injury from the sidelines, his absence from the starting XI speaks volumes about MI’s long-term thinking — and perhaps signals a subtle shift in the power dynamics of the franchise.

One thing's certain: if MI are chasing under the lights at Wankhede, expect a familiar figure to stride out, bat in hand, with the hopes of millions resting on his shoulders — even if he didn’t start the game.