MI’s options for opening combinations are promising, each bringing a unique flavour to the table
Mumbai Indians (MI), the five-time IPL champions, are gearing up for a promising 2025 season. After a disappointing 2024 campaign where they finished at the bottom of the table, the franchise made significant moves in the mega auction. Spending nearly INR 40 crores to acquire 18 players, MI bolstered their squad with key signings like Deepak Chahar, Will Jacks, and Trent Boult. Despite these strategic additions, the burning question remains: Who will partner Rohit Sharma at the top? With Ishan Kishan out of the picture, MI has several exciting options to explore. Let’s analyse their four best opening combinations for IPL 2025.
Will Jacks bring explosiveness and versatility to the MI lineup? Known for his ability to dominate bowling attacks, Jacks has ample experience as an opener in various leagues. He showcased his capabilities with a blistering 108 off 48 balls for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred and scored a century for RCB in IPL 2024. Bought for INR 5.25 crores, Jacks’ strike rate of 160.9 as an opener makes him a solid candidate to partner Rohit Sharma.
This pairing offers a mix of experience and aggression. Jacks can go hard from ball one, allowing Rohit to play his natural game or adopt an attacking approach. Additionally, Jacks’ part-time off-spin adds a valuable dimension to the team’s bowling arsenal, making him a well-rounded option.
Ryan Rickelton, the South African wicketkeeper-batter, could be MI’s answer to replacing Ishan Kishan. As a left-handed opener, Rickelton forms a right-left combination with Rohit Sharma, disrupting bowling plans, especially against left-arm spinners. Rickelton averages almost 38 as a T20 opener and offers aggressive intent at the top.
Moreover, his inclusion could balance MI’s XI, filling the wicketkeeping role and freeing up a middle-order spot. Rickelton’s international experience and ability to clear the ropes make him a compelling option. While he lacks IPL experience, his numbers in T20 cricket and adaptability could compensate for it.
Tilak Varma, MI’s rising star, has been in scintillating form since his IPL debut in 2022. He has proven his mettle as a dependable batter with 1,156 runs at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 146.32. While primarily a middle-order player, Varma’s consistency and adaptability make him a potential opening option.
Pairing Varma with Will Jacks could be a game-changing move. Both players can dominate bowlers early, setting a strong foundation for the innings. This duo also brings youthful energy and a fearless approach, which could unsettle opposition attacks in the powerplay.
If MI wants to unleash an all-out attacking strategy, Rickelton and Jacks could be the ideal pair. Both players possess high strike rates and complement each other’s styles. Jacks’ 157.62 overall T20 strike rate and Rickelton’s average of 38 as an opener make them a lethal combination.
While this pairing lacks Rohit Sharma's experience, it provides the team with a dynamic alternative. Jacks’ IPL exposure and Rickelton’s left-handedness create an intriguing mix. This partnership could pave the way for aggressive starts, forcing bowlers onto the back foot early in the game.
