IPL 2025: Why is Rohit Sharma not in Starting XI in MI vs KKR Match 12?

Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 12th game of the IPL 2025. After losing two back-to-back away games, MI will play their first match at home, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. KKR will enter this contest with a win against Rajasthan Royals (RR). It will be an interesting match to watch for the fans because of the star-studded teams. 

Toss Update

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bowl first, citing that to be the better option at the home venue. His opposite number Ajinkya Rahane also stated that he would have opted to bowl first had he won the toss.

Rohit Sharma left out

At the toss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya mentioned that Will Jacks has made his way into the team. Notably, Rohit Sharma has been named as an Impact Substitute. The former MI skipper has not been at his best in the two games so far, scoring a four-ball duck against Chennai Super Kings in MI's season opener while getting eight off four in the previous game against Gujarat Titans. Hardik also revealed that they have handed a debut to Ashwani Kumar. 

On the other hand, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane mentioned that Sunil Narine made his way into the team in place of Moeen Ali. Narine was not in his best health before the previous game. Now that the top all-rounder is fit to play, he came in.

What did the captains say?

Hardik Pandya, MI captain

We gonna bowl first, looks like a good track. Knowing Wankhede, dew may or may not come in. There might be some early swing, it plays well so we thought chasing is a good option. We want to get into good rhythm and kickstart. Overall, we want to play better cricket, we need to stay calm. Will Jacks comes back and we have a debutant - Ashwani Kumar.

Ajinkya Rahane, KKR captain

We wanted to bowl first as well but I was confused looking at the wicket, generally Wankede is a good batting surface so I feel it's a good toss to lose. There's a little breeze going on, no dew factor to deal with. We will look to post a good total on the board and I have confidence in our bowlers to defend. We are playing good cricket, every games gives a good opportunity to play good cricket. Lovely ground, we are looking to play good cricket. Sunil comes in in place of Mooen.

MI vs KKR Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians

Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar, Vignesh Puthur

Impact Subs: Rohit Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz, Satyanarayana Raju

Click Here: MI vs KKR Match 12 - Live Score, Commentary, Stats & Updates

Kolkata Knight Riders

Quinton de Kock(w), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Impact Subs: Anrich Nortje, Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Luvnith Sisodia