Hardik Pandya To Drop Out-Of-Form Rohit Sharma? MI's Strongest XI Vs KKR

Debashis Sarangi

Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya [Source: AP]Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya [Source: AP]

On Monday, Mumbai Indians will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the twelfth group-stage match of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The high-octane face-off will take place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 

Mumbai Indians have had a shaky start to their IPL 2025 campaign. Led by Hardik Pandya, the five-time champions have lost both their matches, reeling at the ninth position in the points table. 

So, moving on to this game, MI would be keen to improve their performance and secure their first win of the season. As they gear up for the crucial clash, let's analyse and find out their strongest playing XI for this game. 

MI's XI In Last Match vs GT

Ryan Rickelton (WK), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Trent Boult, S Raju
Impact player: Robin Minz

Should MI Drop Rohit Sharma vs KKR?

Veteran Indian batter Rohit Sharma hasn't been at his best in the IPL 2025. After recording a four-ball duck vs CSK, Rohit was dismissed for eight by an absolute ripper from Mohammed Siraj against Gujarat Titans. 

Considering Rohit's consecutive mediocre outings, a section of MI fans have demanded his exclusion from the playing XI. However, Rohit has been a proven performer for MI in the IPL, both as a batter and captain. 

Also, Rohit has enjoyed stellar success against KKR, scoring 1070 runs at an average of 39.63 and a strike rate of 128.14. Given that he has huge reputation, MI will likely give him a few more chances before ignoring him. 

However, if MI bowl first, they could use Rohit as an impact player, which could ensure better balance in their team. 

Will Jacks, Vignesh Puthur In; Mujeeb Out?

Despite performing admirably in the first game against CSK, Vignesh Puthur didn't find a place in MI's XI vs GT. The franchise replaced him with Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who conceded 28 runs while scalping a solitary wicket in two overs. 

So, Mujeeb could make way for Vignesh Puthur, who grabbed the limelight with a sensational three-wicket haul against the Super Kings. 

Also, as MI struggled with the bat, failing to chase 197 runs on a batting-friendly deck, the five-time champions could consider bringing Will Jacks back into the playing XI. Besides scoring brisk runs at the top order, Jacks can chip in with a few overs of handy off spin. 

MI's strongest XI vs KKR if they bat first

Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (C), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Vignesh Puthur, Trent Boult
Impact: S Raju

MI's strongest XI vs KKR if they bowl first

Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (C), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Vignesh Puthur, Trent Boult, S Raju
Impact: Rohit Sharma