Published By: Sanchari Das

AI Predicts Mumbai Indians' Winning Formula for IPL 2025

If the predicted squad materialises, the franchise could not only improve on their forgettable 2024 performance but also contend for their sixth IPL title

The IPL 2025 auction is just around the corner. Scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, the event has fans excitedly buzzing. Among the ten franchises, all eyes will be on the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI). After a dismal 2024 campaign, where they finished 10th, MI is eager to rebuild. With INR 45 crore in their purse and one RTM card, the franchise has retained a solid core, setting the stage for smart auction strategies.

MI's Retained Stars

The Mumbai Indians have retained their key players within the INR 75 crore salary cap. Jasprit Bumrah leads with INR 18 crore, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rohit Sharma, each over INR 16 crore. Youngster Tilak Varma is retained for INR 8 crore, highlighting MI's focus on youth. However, the team must improve its 2024 performance and is looking to fill gaps with both international and domestic talent.

AI-predicted players for MI

AI predicts an exciting lineup of players who could bolster MI's squad in IPL 2025. Phil Salt, Quinton de Kock, and Ishan Kishan are potential targets for addressing batting concerns for the top order. In the middle order, Tim David and Nehal Wadhera both predicted to make a return, bringing stability and power-hitting capabilities. Marcus Stoinis and Washington Sundar are suggested as key additions among the all-rounders. AI foresees Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Harshal Patel joining forces for the bowling department to create a balanced and experienced unit.

A power-packed top-order

Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav remain MI's top-order mainstays, providing leadership and batting consistency. Phil Salt is an ideal opening partner for Rohit. Salt, who scored over 400 runs in IPL 2024, brings explosive batting and wicketkeeping skills. Meanwhile, despite being released, Ishan Kishan could come back at the auction. His versatility and aggressive approach align well with Wankhede's batting-friendly conditions. Another potential target is Quinton de Kock, whose return could reunite him with Rohit, rekindling their successful partnership from MI's title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020.

Reinforced middle order

The middle order promises stability, with Tilak Varma continuing as MI's key batter. AI predicts Tim David's retention through an RTM card, given his reputation as a powerful finisher. David's ability to hit big shots in death overs makes him a game-changer. Another likely inclusion is Nehal Wadhera, who impressed in IPL 2024 with 350 runs at a strike rate of 140. Wadhera, being an uncapped player, fits IPL's retention rules perfectly and could bolster MI's lineup with his fearless batting.

All-rounders adding balance

All-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Washington Sundar are AI's picks for MI's revamped squad. Stoinis's hard-hitting batting and medium-pace bowling provide depth to the middle order. His ability to finish games under pressure makes him an asset. On the other hand, Sundar offers a mix of economical off-spin and handy batting at number 7. Both players add balance, ensuring MI has flexibility in playing XI and addressing gaps in their batting and bowling departments.

Experienced bowlers lead the attack

MI's bowling lineup will revolve around Jasprit Bumrah, the spearhead of their attack. AI predicts the return of Trent Boult, whose swing bowling complements Bumrah's precision. Boult's previous stint with MI saw him play a pivotal role in their 2020 title triumph. Yuzvendra Chahal could also be a brilliant addition, providing MI with a world-class leg-spinner to dominate the middle overs. Together, these bowlers could create a formidable unit capable of dismantling opposition lineups.

Death-over specialists

In recent seasons, MI has struggled with death-over bowling, but AI suggests solutions. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's ability to swing the ball and deliver consistent performances makes him an ideal partner for Bumrah. Harshal Patel, known for his variations and yorkers, could strengthen MI's death-bowling arsenal. This duo could transform MI's bowling attack if secured, providing the control and firepower needed to excel in crunch situations.