* **Q: Why isn't Rohit Sharma starting for MI?
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ARTICLE DETAIL
MI vs KKR IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma Benched for Start, MI Bowl First After Winning Toss | Raghu Sharma Mirrors Abhishek Sharma’s Viral Celebration After Picking Maiden Wicket in IPL 2026 | Mitchell Starc Inspires Delhi Capitals to Victory Over Rajasthan Royals | Babar Azam on Potential Pakistan Captaincy After PSL 2026 | Riyan Parag Fined for Vaping in Dressing Room | IPL 2026: PBKS vs RR Match Preview and Betting Tips | Akeal Hosein's Powerplay Punch Floors MI | Uncapped IPL Stars Steal the Spotlight Early in IPL 2026 | Delhi Capitals to Bank on Home Stretch After Toss Win Against Punjab Kings | MI vs KKR IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma Benched for Start, MI Bowl First After Winning Toss | Raghu Sharma Mirrors Abhishek Sharma’s Viral Celebration After Picking Maiden Wicket in IPL 2026 | Mitchell Starc Inspires Delhi Capitals to Victory Over Rajasthan Royals | Babar Azam on Potential Pakistan Captaincy After PSL 2026 | Riyan Parag Fined for Vaping in Dressing Room | IPL 2026: PBKS vs RR Match Preview and Betting Tips | Akeal Hosein's Powerplay Punch Floors MI | Uncapped IPL Stars Steal the Spotlight Early in IPL 2026 | Delhi Capitals to Bank on Home Stretch After Toss Win Against Punjab Kings
Cricket / Ipl 2025
MI vs KKR IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma Benched for Start, MI Bowl First After Winning Toss
In the 12th match of IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians (MI) are hosting the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium. Desperate for their first win after starting the season 0-2, MI captain Hardik Pandya won the toss a...
Key Insights
- **Toss:** MI won the toss and chose to bowl first on the traditionally batting-friendly Wankhede pitch. Captains have opted to bowl in 10 out of 11 previous matches this season.
- **Rohit Sharma Role:** Former captain Rohit Sharma is not in the starting XI for MI. He is listed as an impact substitute and is expected to bat in the second innings.
- **Why this matters:** Rohit's form has been a concern (duck and 8 in the first two games), and using him as an impact sub could be a strategic move to maximize his batting contribution while managing team composition. MI needs his runs, especially at his high retention price (₹16.30 crore).
- **MI Team Changes:** Pacer Ashwani Kumar makes his IPL debut. Will Jacks and Vignesh Puthur return to the MI lineup. Jasprit Bumrah remains unavailable as he recovers at the NCA.
- **Why this matters:** MI are clearly searching for a winning combination, especially in their bowling attack which lacks Bumrah's edge. The inclusion of Jacks adds batting firepower.
- **KKR Team Changes:** Star spinner Sunil Narine returns to the KKR XI, likely opening the batting with Quinton de Kock. He replaces Moeen Ali in a like-for-like swap.
- **Why this matters:** Narine's explosive batting at the top and mystery spin are crucial to KKR's strategy. His return strengthens the team significantly.
- **Recent Head-to-Head:** While MI leads KKR 23-11 historically, KKR has dominated recently, winning 5 of the last 6 encounters, including both matches in IPL 2024.
In-Depth Analysis
Mumbai Indians find themselves under early pressure in IPL 2025, having lost their first two away games against CSK and GT. Returning to the Wankhede, a venue known for high scores, they need a victory to kickstart their campaign. Their decision to bowl first aligns with the tournament trend, likely banking on chasing down a target under potential dew conditions later.
The exclusion of Rohit Sharma from the starting XI is a major talking point. While designated as an impact player, it signals MI's willingness to adapt tactics. His recent low scores are a worry, but his record against KKR (1070 runs, Avg 39.62) offers hope for a turnaround.
MI's bowling attack continues to miss the injured Jasprit Bumrah, whose absence was keenly felt in the first two matches. Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar lead the pace attack, supported by debutant Ashwani Kumar and returning spinner Vignesh Puthur.
Kolkata Knight Riders, after losing their opener, bounced back strongly against Rajasthan Royals. Their lineup is bolstered by the return of Sunil Narine. Ajinkya Rahane captains the side and, along with Venkatesh Iyer, boasts a strong IPL record at the Wankhede. KKR's recent form against MI gives them a psychological edge despite the overall historical record favouring Mumbai.
**MI Playing XI:** Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Deepak Chahar, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar, Vignesh Puthur. (Rohit Sharma as Impact Sub)
**KKR Playing XI:** Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Varun Chakravarthy.
FAQ
* **Q: Is Jasprit Bumrah playing today?
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* **Q: Who won the toss?
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Takeaways
- Mumbai Indians are under significant pressure to secure their first win.
- Watch for Rohit Sharma's impact when he comes in to bat during the chase.
- KKR's recent dominance over MI could continue, especially with Narine back.
- Expect a high-scoring game given the Wankhede pitch and the batting talent on both sides.
- MI's bowling attack without Bumrah will be tested against KKR's powerful hitters like Russell, Narine, and de Kock.
Discussion
This match features significant tactical decisions, especially regarding Rohit Sharma's role. KKR looks to continue their recent success against MI, while Mumbai aims to turn their fortunes around at home.
*Do you think using Rohit Sharma as an impact sub is the right move for MI? Let us know!*
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Sources
NDTV Sports: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders LIVE Score, IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma Missing From MI's 1st Playing XI vs KKR. Reason Is... (Link assumed based on article content, please verify if possible)
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