Why is Rohit Sharma dropped from Mumbai Indians playing 11?

Visiting side Mumbai Indians (MI) will miss Rohit Sharma's services in the high-voltage IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, on Friday, April 4.

The five-time champions are coming into this clash after a comprehensive eight-wicket win at home against Kolkata Knight Riders. Mumbai lost their first two games, but the win against the defending champions must have given them loads of confidence. Meanwhile, Lucknow have two losses and one win under their belt. They suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings in their previous game.

Toss Update

MI skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and invited Lucknow Super Giants to bat first. He admitted that he wasn't too sure about how the pitch would play. However, he feels that dew could play a role later on. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant said that they have no target on their minds and will play the balls on their merit.

Rohit Sharma left out

In an unfortunate turn of events, Rohit Sharma had to be left out of the Mumbai Indians' side for the intense fixture. Hardik said at the toss that Rohit took a hit on the knee during practice. The former MI skipper has not been in great form this season. However, a player of his calibre needs one good knock to turn things around. Meanwhile, the Super Giants' side got a massive boost as India pacer Akash Deep, who recently recovered from a back injury, has been named in the playing XI in place of M Siddharth.

What did the captains say?

Hardik Pandya, MI captain

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 had. Let's not talk about the surfaces as a team. I think adaptation (key to success in IPL). Sticking to right plans and being smart. Lot of runs are being scored. Cricket is situation based. Rohit was hit on the knee during practice . He is missing out. Jasprit (Bumrah) should be back soon.

Rishabh Pant, LSG captain

I think we are pretty confident as a batting unit. A very strong unit. Few of our players haven't come off including me. We had talked to play in this fashion (being aggressive at the top) throughout the tournament. The general discussion is to go out there and express yourself. We haven't talked about a 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 up myself. Once we get a start, I will capitalize. Just one change for us. Akash Deep comes in for Siddharth.

LSG vs MI Playing XIs

Lucknow Super Giants 

Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan

Impact Subs: Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed, Manimaran Siddharth, Akash Singh.

Click Here: LSG vs MI Match 16 - Live Score, Commentary, Stats & Updates

Mumbai Indians

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

Impact Subs: Tilak Varma, Corbin Bosch, Robin Minz, Satyanarayana Raju, Karn Sharma.