IPL 2025, MI: Squad analysis, schedule, Probable XI, and more
What's the story
One of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Mumbai Indians (MI) are all set for the 2025 season with an aim to win a record-breaking sixth title.
Under Hardik Pandya's leadership, MI will look to bounce back from the disappointments of IPL 2024 where they finished last.
The current lot offers a perfect blend of seasoned stars and promising newcomers.
Here are further details.
Team composition
MI retain core group, announce injury replacements
MI retained their core group in Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Tilak Varma ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
The franchise also made big buys by signing England's Will Jacks, New Zealand's Trent Boult, South Africa's Ryan Rickelton, and spinner Mitchell Santner.
With injuries in the squad, MI replaced Allah Ghazanfar and Lizaad Williams with Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman and South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch.
Team analysis
Strengths and weaknesses
As has been the case, MI will bank on what looks a formidable batting order in the form of Rohit, SKY, Tilak, Pandya, and Rickelton. There is also reliance on young players like Naman Dhir in the middle order.
MI's pace attack is strengthened by Bumrah and Boult, while Santner and Mujeeb add to their spin options. However, Bumrah's fitness remains a concern.
Mumbai's death-bowling looks bleak without the star pacer. They also lack experienced finishers.
Line-up
Squad for IPL 2025
MI squad: Hardik Pandya (captain), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Bevon Jacobs, Robin Minz, Naman Dhir, Ryan Rickelton, Krishnan Shrijith, Raj Bawa, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwani Kumar, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Vignesh Puthur, Satyanarayan Raju, Karn Sharma, Arjun Tendulkar, and Reece Topley.
Information
Pandya to miss first match
Pandya won't play MI's first match of IPL 2025. This is because of the one-match suspension he was handed for IPL 2024, following MI's final league match. The ban carries over to the 2025 season as MI didn't qualify for the playoffs.
Probable XI
Probable XI without Pandya, Bumrah
With Pandya set to miss MI's opener, Suryakumar Yadav is likely to lead the side. Meanwhile, all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar can be a like-for-like replacement for Pandya.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wicket-keeper), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Robin Minz, Naman Dhir, Arjun Tendulkar, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Trent Boult.
Fixtures
MI to take on CSK in opener
MI will start their campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23. The arch-rivals will square off a day after the season opener, in an evening match.
Their full schedule includes key matches against Gujarat Titans (March 29, away), Kolkata Knight Riders (March 31, home), Royal Challengers Bangaluru (April 7, home), Delhi Capitals (April 13, away), and Rajasthan Royals (May 1, away).
Twitter Post
A look at MI's full schedule
𝑵𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒊𝒏 𝒅𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒂 𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒘𝒂 𝒅𝒐, 𝒎𝒂𝒎𝒂 🗣
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 16, 2025
🗓 𝗧𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗜𝗣𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 schedule aa gaya hai! #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/HoBuM6a8UT
Recap
How MI fared in IPL 2024
In IPL 2024, MI's performance was marred by a lack of consistency in all departments, with new captain Pandya's underwhelming run being a major factor.
MI claimed just four wins from 14 league matches. They suffered 10 defeats (NRR: -0.318). The five-time champions also lost 10 matches in the 2022 season.
They have missed the playoffs in three of their last four seasons.