IPL 2025: Concerns Mount as Rohit Sharma’s Knee Injury Overshadows MI vs DC Clash
New Delhi – Tension looms over the Mumbai Indians (MI) camp as their star batter and former captain, Rohit Sharma, was seen with his right knee heavily strapped on the eve of their critical encounter against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With MI struggling in the IPL 2025 standings, the fitness of the Indian Test and ODI captain has become a talking point ahead of Sunday evening’s clash.
On Saturday, the 37-year-old cautiously participated in fitness drills, showing visible discomfort during the session. Later in the evening, Rohit emerged for batting practice, gingerly knocking the ball around and taking throw-downs from specialists. However, his focus seemed divided as he spent considerable time tending to his knee, engaging in discussions with current MI skipper Hardik Pandya, key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, as well as the medical staff.
This isn’t the first time Rohit’s fitness has raised eyebrows this season. The seasoned batter had previously missed MI’s match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 4 after sustaining a knock to his knee. At the time, Hardik Pandya revealed that Rohit had been struck on the knee just before the game, rendering him unable to field. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene elaborated on the injury, stating, ‘Rohit got a hit on his knee in the iliotibial (IT) band area. He tried to bat yesterday but couldn’t put any weight on it. Even during the fitness test on Friday, he felt discomfort and wasn’t 100% ready to play. We decided to give him a few more days to recover.’
Despite returning to action on April 7 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he scored a modest 17 runs, it’s evident that Rohit has not fully regained his form or fitness. His numbers this season reflect the struggle, with just 38 runs from four innings at a disappointing average of 9.50. This slump is a far cry from the explosive batting fans expect from the man known as the ‘Hitman’.
Adding to MI’s woes, the team has had a rocky start to IPL 2025, managing only one win in five matches. Currently languishing at eighth place in the 10-team competition, the five-time IPL champions are desperate to turn their fortunes around against a formidable DC side, who sit atop the points table. A victory here could provide the much-needed momentum for MI, but Rohit’s availability and form remain critical to their chances.
Rohit’s injury history includes similar knee concerns in the past, notably during the 2016-17 season, which required careful management. With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, Indian cricket fans and team management will be hoping this niggle doesn’t sideline their captain for long. For now, all eyes are on MI’s medical team as they race against time to get Rohit match-fit for this pivotal encounter.
As the cricketing world watches, the question remains: Will Rohit Sharma overcome this setback and lead from the front, or will Mumbai Indians have to strategize without their talismanic opener? Stay tuned for updates as we bring you the latest from the Arun Jaitley Stadium on match day.