IPL 2025: 5 MI players to watch out for
What's the story
As always, the Mumbai Indians (MI) are gearing up for the upcoming 2025 India Premier League (IPL) season with sky-high expectations.
The franchise's plan to retain a strong core of players and add new talent strategically seems to have worked out earlier, and they would look to do the same this season too.
Here's a closer look at the key players who can define MI's campaign in the upcoming tournament.
Star player
Jasprit Bumrah: The backbone of MI's bowling attack
Jasprit Bumrah is an indispensable part of MI's bowling attack.
His ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers and generate pace makes him a nightmare for batsmen.
In crucial moments, Bumrah's experience and composure are invaluable assets that can significantly contribute to the Mumbai Indians' success in IPL 2025.
In the 2024 edition, the pacer bagged 20 scalps in 13 matches at an average of 16.80 (ER: 6.48). He also recorded a five-wicket haul last year.
Batting dynamo
Suryakumar Yadav: The 360-degree stroke player
Suryakumar Yadav, aka "SKY," brings a different flavor of batting to the IPL.
His 360-degree stroke play and ability to up the ante make him one of the most exciting players to watch.
Yadav's consistency and match-winning capabilities are key for MI's batting order in IPL 2025.
Meanwhile, the Indian T20I skipper finished the 2024 IPL season with 345 runs across 11 matches at 34.50.
He also owned a strike rate of 167.48 alongside three fifties and one hundred.
Multifaceted leader
Hardik Pandya: The all-round captain
Hardik Pandya's role as captain is two-fold.
He will be expected to lead from the front with his all-round skills, including clutch hitting and useful medium-pace bowling.
Additionally, his strategic decision-making will be crucial for MI's success in IPL 2025, making him a player to watch out for.
Across 14 games in the 2024 edition, Pandya smashed 216 runs at 18, striking at 143.05.
With the ball, he bagged 11 wickets at 35.18 (ER: 10.75).
Experience
Rohit Sharma: The guiding force
Despite Hardik Pandya's captaincy, Rohit Sharma remains vital for the Mumbai Indians.
His experience and ability to provide solid starts make him a crucial member of the team. Moreover, his mentorship would benefit younger players.
Meanwhile, in IPL 2024, Rohit scored 417 runs at an average of 32.08 and a strike rate of 150, including a century and a fifty in 14 matches.
Game-changer
Trent Boult: The explosive new addition
The addition of Trent Boult adds a new dimension of bowling power to MI's bowling department, spearheaded by Bumrah.
His ability to swing the new ball and also bowl in the death overs makes him a potential game-changer.
His ability to pick crucial wickets in the middle overs will be a huge asset for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025.
Playing for the Rajasthan Royals last year, the pacer bagged 14 wickets at 27.69 in 26 matches (ER: 8.31).