Revealed: Why is Sandeep Sharma not playing today's match against MI and who has replaced him?

Rajasthan Royals will be without their fast bowler Sandeep Sharma for the game against Mumbai Indians. The inaugural IPL winners and the five-time champions are locking horns against each other in the 14th game of the ongoing IPL 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

RR captain Sanju Samson won the toss and opted to bowl first. Speaking at the toss, the right-handed batsman stated that his team was forced to make one change to the winning combination. He revealed that Sandeep Sharma won’t be playing against MI due to an injury and has been replaced by Nandre Burger.

“We want to bowl first. The wicket looks fresh, it’s the first game of the season, will get help for the fast bowlers. We would like to keep on doing the same things. Sandeep misses out, he is not fit. Burger comes in,” said Samson.

Sandeep Sharma played in the first two games of the season, helping the Royals win both games. The 2008 IPL winners began their season with a win over Lucknow Super Giants before beating Delhi Capitals. They played both games at their home ground in Jaipur and will be hoping that their winning run continues in their first away game of the season as well.

Sanju Samson praised Sandeep Sharma:

Last week, Samson heaped praise on Sandeep Sharma for his bowling against LSG. The right-arm pacer conceded just 22 runs in his three overs and picked up the key wicket of KL Rahul to put his team in the driver’s seat.

“I think I should give the trophy to Sandeep Sharma. I wouldn’t have been standing here if not for him,” Samson said while receiving the Player of the Match award. “I thought of calling him, but then thought it would be a bit too much.”

Playing XIs:

Mumbai Indians:

Ishan Kishan(w), Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Tim David, Gerald Coetzee, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jasprit Bumrah, Kwena Maphaka

Rajasthan Royals:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Nandre Burger, Yuzvendra Chahal