Mumbai Indians’ former skipper and star batter, Rohit Sharma’s poor run in the ongoing IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) has shown no signs of stopping.
After missing the match against Lucknow Super Giants due to a knee injury, many were hoping for a change in fortune in the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He started on a positive note, smashing two boundaries and a six, but was soon dismantled by Yash Dayal for 17.
With scores of 0, 8, 13, and now 17, Rohit has managed just 38 runs in four matches at an average of 9.50 and a strike rate of 131.03. What’s more concerning is the long backing Rohit continues to get from the Mumbai Indians management. Any other player with this form would have been benched long ago. But, seeing Rohit’s stature and past success, the side has carried on with him in the XI. The five-time champions, who often take tough calls when required, have been patient when it comes to their former skipper.
The 37-year-old’s struggles are hurting the side’s campaign directly. The team is failing to get solid starts, something which is crucial in a tournament where 200-plus scores are becoming the norm. His presence in the XI is also blocking opportunities for deserving youngsters or overseas stars who could have added value but are warming the bench.
Here are three players whose slot is being wasted by Rohit Sharma:
3. Raj Angad Bawa
The 22-year-old all-rounder Raj Angad Bawa‘s entry into the Mumbai Indians’ playing XI in place of the injured Rohit may not have allowed him to bat or bowl against LSG, but he could be a valuable addition if brought back. The youngster, who has already made a name for himself at the U19 level and in the domestic circuit, is a solid all-rounder.
In India’s victorious 2022 U-19 World Cup campaign, Bawa scored 252 runs in five innings, including a 162* against Uganda, and took nine wickets, including a match-winning five-wicket haul in the final against England. He earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award and an IPL contract. Having played two games for Punjab Kings in 2022, Bawa has some experience playing in the cash-rich league.
2. Robin Minz
Robin Minz may have managed just six runs from his first two IPL 2025 outings for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, but the young wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand is a player worth backing. Called the next MS Dhoni and Jharkhand’s Chris Gayle for his hitting ability, Minz has already created hype around him.
Minz, who became the first tribal player to feature in the IPL, hasn’t had the best of starts. After missing IPL 2024 due to a motorcycle accident despite securing a massive INR 3.6 crore deal with Gujarat Titans, he earned an INR 65 lakh contract with MI – an 82% fall in his pay cheque. While his first two outings haven’t been up to the mark, the southpaw, if given more chances, can bring back the desired results.
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1. Bevon Jacobs
The South African-born New Zealand batter, Bevon Jacobs, could be the spark Mumbai Indians are looking for, especially in Rohit Sharma’s place. Jacobs, who was scouted by the Mumbai Indians’ talent team, including John Wright, was picked for INR 30 lakh in the 2025 IPL Auction. The main reason the scouting team was impressed by him is his power-hitting ability to finish games.
Primarily a top-order batter, he has adapted to a middle-order role. He had a strike rate of 188.73 in Super Smash 2023-24 for Canterbury, finishing among the top five run-scorers in the 2024-25 edition. Notably, the youngster has impressed many with his 100 off 40 in Australia’s T20 Max and a 157 in New Zealand’s Plunket Shield. While he is yet to make his IPL debut, if he is brought in, he is surely expected to do a lot of damage.