Mumbai Indains MI IPL 2025 clash with Lucknow Supergiants Bawa replaces Rohit Sharma
Mumbai Indians MI shocking their fans as they have dropped veteran skipper Rohit Sharma from their playing XI for the IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants LSG. In a first of its kind, they have dropped Rohit for 22 year old all rounder Raj Angad Bawa. This shocking decision which was made public a day before the must win match against LSG has created pandemonium amongst the fans. It looks like MI is looking for a fresh approach in the franchise.
Who is Raj Angad Bawa? The Prodigy Stealing Rohit’s Spotlight
Rise to Fame: Mr Bawa is a young uprisng all rounder and has been the talk of the town since India won the 2022 U19 world cup. His 252 runs and 9 wickets in the tournament earned him a lot of accolades.
IPL Journey: MI purchased Bawa for INR 3.2 crores in the 2025 auctions, he was labeled as the next big thing due to his explosive batting a nd medium pace bowling.
Statements That Impressed MI:
List A Batting Avg: 48.6 | Economy Rate: 6.8
Recent Ranji Trophy century under pressure vs Karnataka
Rohit Sharma is Dropped – Why Did MI Go Ahead With Such a Controversial Decision?
The reason that many pundits speculate on why Rohit has been excluded is because of his lack of form this season – averaging just 18.2 in 6 matches. Insiders suggest MI’s Management is trying to:
Evaluate Supporting Players Before the Playoffs.
“Mange Rohit’s Workload” till the T20 World Cup in 2026.
“Cultivate” Bawa as Captain.
But fans are polarized. “Dropping Rohit feels like benching God at Wankhede,” tweeted @MIloyal, while others praised the move: “Bawa’s fearless energy is what MI needs!”
Bawa’s Leadership Trial: Will He Stand the Fire?
The LSG do not only have high stakes, but represent Bawa’s moment to cement himself alongside the sport’s current greats.
Position: Most likely to bat at 4 and take over Rohit’s position in the batting lineup.
Bowling Role: Set to bowl 2 or 3 overs of medium pace.
Social media clearly has high expectations, with many already seeing him as the “next” Pandya or Jadeja.”
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was 10. Rohit sir told me, ‘Just play your game,’” Bawa said during the pre-match press conference.
MI Fans Are On A Deep Emotional Drop
Rohit Loyalists: Left absolutely heartbroken, with many calling to boycott matches.
Bawa Brigade: Are over the moon. “Finally. MI is thinking beyond legends,” stated 16-year old Riya from Mumbai.
Industry Updates:
Harsha Bhogle: “It is a very risky move, but the rewards could be great. Bawa might be what MI needs.”
Irfan Pathan: “Bawa is yet to be written off, not with Rohit’s guidance at the helm. That will be crucial.”
Head to Head: LSG vs MI
In MI’s desperate attempt to secure a playoff spot in the tournament, they might get exposed by LSG’s onslaught led by Bumrah’s counterpart Mayank Yadav. Pandya will pay special attention to:
Bawa vs Krunal Pandya: Battles of the Spin vs all-rounder faceoff.
Wankhede Crowd: Will it be Bawa or “Rohit, Rohit?”
