Credit: InsideSports
MI’s strength lies in their core group. Retaining Rohit, Bumrah, Surya, Hardik, and Tilak have ensured continuity
When the IPL 2025 mega auction ended in Jeddah, it seemed like cricket fans around the world had just seen a blockbuster movie trailer. Ten franchises spent a record-breaking INR 639.15 crore, making every cent count. The Mumbai Indians (MI), a franchise known for its remarkable ability to assess talent and build championship-winning lineups, saw the auction as an opportunity to secure its history.
Did they get it right? On paper, MI’s bench is a mix of established greats, tantalising prospects, and unexpected additions. Let’s take a look at their starting lineup to see who may play as the five-time winners return to IPL action.
MI paid ₹12.5 crore to re-sign Trent Boult, making it one of the auction’s most talked-about deals. The left-arm pacer, who was vital in MI’s past seasons, returns with more experience and plenty to prove. His ability to swing the ball forward and hit yorkers at the death makes him an essential cog in the MI wheel.
Was he pricy? Sure. Can you place a price on a bowler who can destroy a top order with his blazing spells?
Rohit Sharma, the dependable “Hitman,” will once again lead the batting order from the front. He plans to join with South African Ryan Rickelton at the top. The wicketkeeper-batter, signed for ₹1 crore, lacks IPL experience but has an impressive domestic record.
Following them, Tilak Centurian Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, who have been foundations of MI’s batting in previous years, bring steadiness and flare. With Tilak’s poise and Surya’s 360-degree striking, opposing bowlers may find themselves grasping at straws.
Hardik Pandya, who leads the side, will come to the middle and showcase his all-round ability. The Baroda dynamo, who has advanced leaps and bounds as a leader, is the glue that holds MI’s batting and bowling together. Add Will Jacks, the English allrounder with explosive ability, and Naman Dhir, MI’s smart RTM acquisition, and you have a middle order capable of taking the game away instantly.
MI’s spin department boasts a unique blend of youth and experience. Allah Ghazanfar, an Afghan mystery spinner purchased for ₹4.8 crore, has the potential to be a game changer. Mitchell Santner and Karn Sharma have added depth to the slow-bowling arsenal, which appears well-suited to twisting courses.
Can Allah and Santner match the effect of past MI legends such as Harbhajan Singh? The potential is there; it’s just about stepping up when it counts.
Jasprit Bumrah, coming off another great international season, spearheads the speed attack. Whether it’s delivering with the new ball or defending inconceivable totals at the finish, Bumrah is MI’s secret weapon. Boult’s comeback and Deepak Chahar’s addition for ₹9.25 crore provide a powerful mix of swing, accuracy, and bounce.
MI’s speed attack is deep and varied, with Reece Topley and Arjun Tendulkar waiting in the wings.
Here’s how MI’s playing XI could look for IPL 2025:
Rohit Sharma
Ryan Rickelton (wk)
Tilak Varma
Suryakumar Yadav
Will Jacks
Hardik Pandya (C)
Naman Dhir
Deepak Chahar
Allah Ghazanfar
Trent Boult
Jasprit Bumrah
Impact player: Karn Sharma/Mitchell Santner
Will MI make it to title number six? Let the games begin!
