"Sir, why worry, when you have Lord?" - Rohit Sharma's banter steals the show despite his injury absence

Even when he’s off the field, Rohit Sharma knows how to make headlines. The former Mumbai Indians skipper missed Friday’s IPL 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants due to a knee injury, but his presence was far from invisible. Rohit, known for his cricketing acumen and quick wit, played the role of mentor and motivator from the sidelines throughout the match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

As LSG raced to 69/0 in the powerplay, Rohit could be seen offering tactical advice during a strategic timeout. His impact was immediate. Just 16 balls after the break, Hardik Pandya, acting on Rohit’s suggestion, bowled a slower delivery that dismissed the in-form Nicholas Pooran — a batter who had scored 75, 70, and 44 in his last three outings. "There are only 11 players inside the field. But Rohit Sharma came in from outside and saw what he said, 'Bowl a little slower', and that is what Hardik did here. He bowled a slow bouncer. What was the result? It went straight into the hands of Deepak Chahar. Superb strategy," noted commentator Saba Karim during the broadcast.

Rohit’s viral post-match joke with Sanjiv Goenka lights up social media

Despite the eventual loss, it was Rohit’s light-hearted moment after the game that captured fans' attention. In a video that has since gone viral, Rohit was seen chatting with LSG co-owner Sanjiv Goenka and teammate Shardul Thakur. With a grin, he quipped, "Sir, why worry, when you have Lord?" a humorous reference to Shardul’s nickname "Lord Thakur."

Rohit’s absence was confirmed by Hardik Pandya at the toss. Rohit was hit on the knee. He is missing out,” he said. Mumbai’s top order certainly missed his presence, but Rohit’s form has also been under scrutiny. In three appearances this season, he has scored just 21 runs, including a duck against CSK, followed by 8 against Gujarat Titans and 13 against KKR.

As MI looks to bounce back in the tournament, fans will hope for both Rohit's fitness and form to return and for more moments of sharp strategy and sharper wit from the veteran star.

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