Mumbai Indians fans have been curious this season: Why is Rohit Sharma only batting and not fielding in most IPL 2025 matches? MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene finally cleared the air and shared the reason behind this tactical move.

Rohit Playing as an Impact Player

Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most experienced cricketers, has been used as an Impact Substitute in most matches this season. That means he doesn’t take part in the full game—he only comes in to bat. While this raised eyebrows among fans, there’s a solid reason behind it.

Rohit is Recovering From a Niggle

Jayawardene revealed that Rohit had picked up a niggle after the Champions Trophy, and to avoid putting too much strain on him, the team decided to manage his workload. The focus was to keep him fresh for batting, which is currently his key role in the team.

“We didn’t plan this at the start. Rohit played a few full games earlier. But due to the team’s balance and his niggle, we made the call,” said Jayawardene.

Speed and Fielding Requirements

Another factor that influenced this decision was the need for speed in the field. Some venues require fast fielders to patrol the boundaries, and with many players doing double roles—like bowling and fielding—the team had to be smart about who stays on the field.

“We need guys with speed in the outfield. That matters on some grounds,” Mahela explained.

Rohit Still Plays a Key Role Off the Field

Even when he’s not fielding, Rohit is far from disconnected. He’s seen constantly talking to players, offering advice, and being involved in strategy discussions from the dugout and during timeouts.

“He’s always active—whether from the dugout or during breaks. His experience is always available to the team,” Jayawardene added.

Rohit Back Among the Runs

After a slow start, Rohit has found form with the bat. He has scored 293 runs in 10 matches, including three fifties in his last four games. His return to form has helped Mumbai Indians go on a six-match winning streak.

MI Eyeing the Top Spot

With 14 points from 11 matches, Mumbai Indians are currently sitting at the third position in the points table. A win against Gujarat Titans could push them to the top of the table.

A Good Problem to Have

Jayawardene admitted that picking the playing XI hasn’t been easy, especially with so many strong players in the squad. But he sees it as a good challenge, saying it’s tough to leave out someone like Suryakumar Yadav or Tilak Varma.

“It’s a hard choice, but it’s a good headache to have,” he said.

In Summary
Rohit Sharma is not fielding much in IPL 2025 because he's managing a minor injury, and the team needs faster fielders in certain conditions. Still, he’s playing a vital role as a batter and mentor, and his presence continues to benefit Mumbai Indians both on and off the field.