As Mumbai Indians faced off against Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2025 match, fans were taken aback by Rohit Sharma’s absence from the playing XI. Meet Raj Angad Bawa: MI’s Replacement for Rohit Sharma, a young cricketer with promise, as MI’s opener.
Raj Angad Bawa: Stepping in for Injured Rohit Sharma in IPL 2025
The Mumbai Indians encountered an unexpected challenge ahead of their IPL 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants, as veteran opener and former captain Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the match due to a knee injury sustained during a training session. In his absence, Mumbai turned to promising all-rounder Raj Angad Bawa, giving the 22-year-old his debut in a high-stakes encounter, a significant moment not just for the franchise but for Indian cricket fans eager to witness emerging talent on the big stage.
Raj Angad Bawa is no stranger to pressure. Hailing from Chandigarh, Bawa is a dynamic left-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer who first gained national recognition during the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2022. In the tournament final against Australia, Bawa delivered a standout all-round performance, taking five wickets and scoring a crucial 35 runs. His heroics helped India secure their fifth U-19 title and etched his name in the history books as the only Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in an ICC tournament final. In India’s domestic circuit, Bawa represents Chandigarh and has already showcased his prowess in the red-ball format. With 633 runs, including a first-class century, and 13 wickets from just 11 matches, he has demonstrated the consistency and versatility required to compete at the highest level. His performances caught the attention of IPL scouts early on, leading to his selection by the Punjab Kings for the 2022 season. Although he didn’t feature prominently in that campaign, his talent was unmistakable.
Ahead of IPL 2025, the Mumbai Indians made a strategic move by signing Bawa for ₹30 lakh in the auction. The franchise, known for investing in raw yet high-potential Indian talent, views Bawa as a long-term asset. His ability to contribute in both departments offers MI a crucial balance, especially in a format where all-rounders can turn games on their own. While Bawa’s entry into the playing XI came due to Rohit Sharma’s injury, it could also signal the start of a larger role in Mumbai’s campaign. His left-handed batting adds depth and variation to the middle order, and his steady medium pace provides the team with a valuable option with the ball. Particularly during the middle overs. For a side that thrives on adaptability and youth development, Bawa fits seamlessly into MI’s forward-looking approach.
His debut may have been circumstantial, but Raj Angad Bawa has a golden opportunity to solidify his place in one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. With a strong performance, he could not only cover the absence of a stalwart like Rohit Sharma but also stake his claim as a mainstay in the MI setup. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, the spotlight will remain on this young all-rounder, his performances, his temperament under pressure, and his evolution.
