Courtesy: MI/BCCI/IPL
Mumbai Indians (MI) didn’t perform as per their reputation for the last four seasons, but in IPL 2025, their fans will want them to play a fierce brand of cricket and add another trophy to their cabinet. Mumbai will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23, and noting that in mind, SportsTiger has predicted their strongest playing XI of the upcoming T20 extravaganza.
Here is MI's Strongest Predicted Playing XI for this season:
Openers: Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton
Rohit Sharma looked miserable with his bat for the last two editions, but this time, his endeavours will be to have a blast. India veteran might be seen starting the innings with South Africa opener Ryan Rickelton, who played an essential role in MI Cape Town’s title win in the SA20 League 2024-25 apart from making a big name for himself in South African colours in recent times.
Middle-Order Batters: Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma
Naman Dhir is known for his aggressive batting style and he will be expected to dominate bowlers while serving the team in the number three spot. Suryakumar Yadav’s form plummeted in IPL 2024, but forgetting the previous failure, he will look to come heavily on bowlers with his ferocious batting style in the upcoming T20 event. Tilak Varma was one of five retained players by MI and he will have to prove his team’s decision correct with his bat.
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, and Deepak Chahar
Hardik Pandya has to lead MI from the front after failing to be impactful in the last season. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner became a part of the side in the IPL 2025 auction held in Jeddah and he will be seen spearheading the team’s spin-bowling unit. Deepak Chahar looked ordinary for Chennai in the last three installment of the league. This time, the all-rounder will be seen in MI colours and he will have to be effective in all departments of the game to prolong his IPL career.
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman
The formidable fast-bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult will be seen together again for Mumbai after four years. Back in 2020, the pair performed exceptionally and delivered the fifth trophy to MI with their bowling excellence. This time, they will look to do wonders again. Afghanistan stalwart Mujeeb Ur Rahman will have to assist veteran Santner to bolster MI’s spin attack.
Impact Player: Karn Sharma in, Tilak Varma out
Karn Sharma might be seen entering the playing XI as an impact player in place of Tilak Varma as his addition to the squad will provide a variety to Mumbai’s spin-bowling unit.
