Shardul Thakur will aim to neutralize Rohit Sharma’s explosive form when LSG hosts MI in a high-stakes IPL 2025 encounter. Rohit, averaging 80 against Thakur in IPL history (80 runs, 1 dismissal), has dominated their matchups with a 135.59 strike rate, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. The Hitman enters the game on a hot streak, scoring back-to-back fifties (76*, 70) and amassing 228 runs this season at a 154.05 strike rate.  Thakur, LSG’s leading wicket-taker (12 scalps in 9 games), has been entrusted with powerplay duties despite his economy concerns. His 4/34 against SRH highlighted his wicket-taking ability, but containing Rohit early remains critical for LSG, who edged MI by 12 runs in their last meeting (Rohit absent). MI, chasing a fifth straight win, will rely on Rohit’s resurgence, while LSG banks on Thakur’s knack for breakthroughs. The Mumbai teammates-turned-rivals add a personal edge to this tactical duel, with Thakur needing to exploit Rohit’s rare vulnerability against pace in the opening overs.