Hardik Pandya Explains Batting Order Shift with Rohit Sharma’s Return

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya addressed criticism over a batting order change after a loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 at Wankhede Stadium. RCB’s 221 proved too steep for Mumbai despite efforts from Pandya and Tilak Varma. The decision to drop Naman Dhir from No. 3 to No. 7 drew attention, which Pandya attributed to the return of Rohit Sharma, who had missed a prior game due to a knee injury.

Pandya clarified that Sharma’s comeback prompted a return to the team’s original lineup, with Dhir always slated for a lower slot. Sharma, opening against RCB, scored 17 off 9 balls before his dismissal. Pandya noted the pitch’s difficulty for bowlers, calling it a high-scoring affair where execution was key, as RCB secured their first Wankhede win over Mumbai in ten years.

The defeat intensified scrutiny on Mumbai’s campaign and Pandya’s leadership. Sharma, a former captain with a lean run of 13, 8, and 0 earlier in the season, returned as an impact player. Pandya’s comments highlighted the team’s effort to blend experience and youth, though the strategy couldn’t avert Monday’s setback in a competitive IPL 2025.