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With IPL 2025 just around the corner, former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has weighed in on Mumbai Indians’ (MI) possible playing XI, outlining two potential team combinations based on the availability of Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah, MI’s premier fast bowler, is set to miss the initial matches due to a stress-related back injury sustained during the fifth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. This uncertainty forces MI to consider multiple lineup options.
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Two Possible Mumbai Indians XIs for IPL 2025
Option 1: With Bumrah Available
Chopra suggests a batting-heavy lineup, featuring South African batter Ryan Rickelton opening alongside Rohit Sharma, with Will Jacks at No. 3.
Predicted XI:
1️⃣ Ryan Rickelton (Opener)
2️⃣ Rohit Sharma (Opener)
3️⃣ Will Jacks
4️⃣ Suryakumar Yadav
5️⃣ Tilak Varma
6️⃣ Hardik Pandya (C)
7️⃣ Naman Dhir
8️⃣ Mitchell Santner (All-rounder)
9️⃣ Deepak Chahar (Pacer)
🔟 Trent Boult (Pacer)
1️⃣1️⃣ Jasprit Bumrah (Pacer)
💡 Key Insight:
- Strong batting depth, but many players will be pushed a spot lower than their usual positions.
- Bowler as an Impact Player to provide additional balance.
Option 2: Without Bumrah
In case Bumrah remains unavailable, Chopra recommends dropping Ryan Rickelton and playing an extra overseas seamer or Mujeeb Ur Rahman, with Will Jacks shifting to the opening slot alongside Rohit Sharma.
Predicted XI:
1️⃣ Rohit Sharma (Opener)
2️⃣ Will Jacks (Opener)
3️⃣ Suryakumar Yadav
4️⃣ Tilak Varma
5️⃣ Hardik Pandya (C)
6️⃣ Naman Dhir
7️⃣ Robin Minz
8️⃣ Mitchell Santner (All-rounder)
9️⃣ Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Spinner) OR Overseas Pacer
🔟 Trent Boult (Pacer)
1️⃣1️⃣ Deepak Chahar (Pacer)
💡 Key Insight:
- MI could opt for an extra overseas pacer or a mystery spinner like Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
- The top order remains solid, but middle-order responsibilities increase.
Chopra’s Predictions for MI’s Top Performers
🔹 Most Runs:
- Chopra initially picked Tilak Varma, but if he bats lower, he backs Will Jacks to be MI’s leading run-getter.
🔹 Most Wickets:
- Trent Boult is expected to be the highest wicket-taker since he will likely play all matches.
🔹 Young Players to Watch:
- Robin Minz & Naman Dhir, depending on their game time, could be the breakout stars for MI this season.
MI’s IPL 2025 Opener: Blockbuster Clash Against CSK
Mumbai Indians will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 in an away fixture.
With Hardik Pandya leading the side, all eyes will be on MI’s squad composition and strategic decisions as they look to secure a record sixth IPL title.
