Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) had a strong auction, building a squad that could end their title drought. After their 2020 win, their performance has declined, with a poor 2024 season finishing 10th and only four wins, worsened by captaincy issues.
Hardik Pandya took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, a decision that didn’t sit well with fans. Hardik faced boos in most IPL venues, which seemed to affect MI’s morale and contributed to their string of losses. However, while Hardik will continue as captain in 2025, the situation has undergone a complete transformation.
The all-rounder has reinvented himself, playing a key role in India’s T20 World Cup victory in the Caribbean earlier this year. MI’s squad for 2025 looks stronger than in 2024, retaining core players and adding valuable utility options. Here are three reasons why the 2025 squad is an upgrade:
#3 An ideal mix of youth and experience
Mumbai Indians retained most of their core players, including Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma. With only INR 45 crores left ahead of the auction, MI had to make their picks wisely, unlike other franchises.
Rohit, Bumrah, Hardik, and SKY form a formidable quartet, each having captained India in various formats. Under Rohit’s leadership, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, while Hardik has led in white-ball formats. SKY is currently the Indian T20 captain, and Bumrah recently captained India to a memorable Test victory against Australia in Perth.
With such experience already in place, MI further strengthened their squad by acquiring Trent Boult, who was part of their last title-winning team. They also added four new players, along with experienced young talents like Tilak Varma, who has already made a mark in international cricket.
#2 A formidable pace bowling attack, which was absent in 2024
MI has successfully built a strong pace bowling attack capable of dismantling any top-tier batting lineup. Unlike in 2024, when Jasprit Bumrah stood as the sole key bowler, MI now has a much more robust bowling unit.
Bumrah and Trent Boult formed a deadly partnership in 2020, effortlessly taking down opposition line-ups. Boult’s return will significantly strengthen their pace department.
Additionally, the inclusion of Deepak Chahar could provide a solid new ball option, allowing Hardik to save Bumrah for the more critical phases of the game. Reece Topley and Lizaad Williams will also add depth and variety to the pace attack.
#1 A bit of style and surprise in the squad
The MI squad for IPL 2025 appears well-rounded, even though many of the players bought at the auction lack IPL experience. Given their budget constraints, MI didn’t go after big names but still managed to strengthen key areas.
Ryan Rickleton is a batter who can dominate the opposition’s bowling attack in the powerplay, while Will Jacks is another explosive batter capable of turning the game in an instant, as shown during his time with RCB in 2024.
In the bowling department, MI added mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who recently troubled South Africa with his deceptive deliveries. Capable of bowling in all three formats, he’s a valuable addition. Overall, the MI squad for 2025 looks stronger than in 2024.
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