One of the most successful franchises in IPL history, Mumbai Indians (MI) haven’t lifted the trophy in five years. As they head into another season, the franchise will be hoping their men can replicate the form of their women’s team, which won their second Women’s Premier League title this season.
Before the mega auction, MI retained five key Indian players: captain Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav (SKY), and Tilak Varma. They also brought in 18 new recruits to bolster their squad.
However, despite boasting four T20 World Cup winners in their core lineup, MI have failed to live up to their reputation. Their past three seasons have been a rollercoaster—finishing 10th, 4th, and 10th again. It’s a cycle they desperately want to break.
To understand their prospects for the upcoming season, let’s analyse their strengths, weaknesses, and key takeaways.
Mumbai Indians Squad IPL 2025
Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Will Jacks, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Krishnan Shrijith, Raj Angad Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Lizaad Williams, Vignesh Puthur.
Strengths: A Power-Packed Batting Order
MI made a smart move at the auction by securing Will Jacks as they thanked RCB for not using their Right-to-Match card. While his international numbers may not be the most impressive, he has shown flashes of brilliance. His explosive 41-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans last season helped RCB to keep themselves in the hunt for the playoffs. Whether as an opener or at No. 3, he adds firepower to MI’s batting lineup.
However, MI might have their eyes set on South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton to form a formidable opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. Rickelton has been in scintillating form—scoring over 1,000 runs in 2024 at a strike rate above 150. In 2025, his numbers are even better, averaging 48 with a strike rate of 178. Pairing him with Rohit, who had a strike rate of 150 in last year’s IPL, could give MI the aggressive starts they need.
The middle order looks solid with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya. At No. 7, MI have a wildcard in Naman Dhir, who could play the floater role. Robin Minz and Krishnan Shrijith (who averages 42 at a strike rate of 176 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) provide further depth.
Weaknesses: Question Marks Over Form and Fitness
Despite MI’s batting strength on paper, there are some glaring concerns.
Bowling: A Lethal Powerplay and Death Overs Duo
On the bowling front, MI might just have the most lethal new-ball and death-over combination in the league—Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.
Boult, who along with Bumrah, played a key role in MI’s last title win in 2020, will be joined by Deepak Chahar, a ₹9.25 crore investment at the auction. If Chahar stays injury-free, his ability to swing the ball in the powerplay could be a game-changer, especially in Bumrah’s absence during the first half of the tournament.
However, Bumrah’s availability remains a major concern. With a crucial Test series against England immediately after the IPL, MI might have their work cut out for them.
Spin: A Potential Weak Link?
MI’s biggest vulnerability might be their spin department. They have Mitchell Santner (who currently seems at his peak), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (who replaces Allah Ghazanfar), and Karn Sharma—a serviceable but not elite spin attack. In a tournament where spin can dictate games, MI might find themselves exposed on slow pitches.
Final Thoughts
MI have the firepower to challenge for the title, but their success will hinge on key players stepping up. If SKY regains his form, if Bumrah will be available, and if the team unites with a fit Hardik, MI could be a serious threat. However, their spin attack and injury concerns might hold them back.
Will this be the season Mumbai Indians return to their dominant best, or will they continue their recent trend of inconsistency? Only time will tell.
Probable XI
Ryan Rickleton (wk)*, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, SuryaKumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Krishnan Shirijit, Naman Dhir, Mitchel Santner*, Mujeeb ur Rehman*/Reece Topley*, Trent Boult*, Deepak Chahar
Impact sub – Robin Minz/Karn Sharma
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