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Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu, a six-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champion, three each with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), has revealed his probable playing XI for the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
MI will begin their campaign on March 23 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, followed by a high-voltage clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 29. However, MI faces a significant setback as captain Hardik Pandya is unavailable for the season opener due to a one-match ban. Adding to their concerns, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is also expected to miss the initial few matches as he continues recovering from a lower back injury. Despite these challenges, Rayudu believes MI has a formidable squad that can go the distance in IPL 2025.
Ambati Rayudu predicts Mumbai Indians’ probable XI for IPL 2025
MI’s solid top and middle order
Rayudu has backed Rohit Sharma to open the innings for MI and he has picked Ryan Rickelton as his partner at the top. The South African wicketkeeper-batter, signed by MI for INR 1 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, provides an aggressive left-handed option at the top.
Rickelton has been in tremendous form in domestic cricket and brings flexibility with his ability to keep wickets. Rayudu believed Rickelton’s inclusion will help MI as a wicketkeeping option.
“I guess Ryan Rickelton will open with Rohit Sharma, as he can keep the wickets as well,” Rayudu said in a video shared by Star Sports on X.
For the crucial No. 3 and No. 4 positions, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav are Rayudu’s preferred choices. Tilak, who has impressed with his consistency and aggressive stroke play, is expected to play a crucial role in anchoring the innings while accelerating when needed.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar, MI’s Mr. 360, is a vital cog in the batting lineup. Despite suffering an injury scare late last year, he has recovered in time for IPL 2025 and will be crucial in Mumbai’s quest for a record-extending sixth title. His innovative stroke play and ability to dominate spinners make him a perfect No. 4 batter for MI.
“Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav will bat at three and four depending upon the left-right combination,” the former Indian cricketer added.
Also READ: MI Full Squad, IPL 2025 Schedule: Date, Match Time, Players List, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
Dynamic all-rounders and lethal bowling attack
At No. 5, captain Hardik Pandya is set to return to the middle order. His finishing ability and all-round presence make him an indispensable asset. Rayudu has named Naman Dhir at No. 6, a promising young batter who was retained by MI. Dhir, known for his aggressive approach, has been a standout performer in domestic cricket, and MI will look to him as an X-factor in the middle order.
At No. 7, Rayudu has picked New Zealand’s white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, a player who was signed by MI to strengthen their all-round department. Santner’s ability to bowl tight spells and contribute quick runs with the bat makes him a valuable asset in the lower order.
Despite his injury concerns, Jasprit Bumrah remains MI’s premier fast bowler, and Rayudu expects him to return at full strength. The legendary pacer, who missed IPL 2023 due to a back injury, returned in IPL 2024 with match-winning performances and finished the season with 20 wickets. MI will rely on him to spearhead the attack once again.
Alongside Bumrah, Rayudu has picked Trent Boult, a proven performer in T20 leagues worldwide. The Kiwi pacer, who previously played a key role in MI’s 2020 IPL-winning campaign, returns to the side after a stint with Rajasthan Royals. His ability to swing the new ball and pick early wickets makes him an invaluable asset.
Completing the pace trio is Deepak Chahar, who was roped in by MI at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The former CSK pacer has a reputation for being one of the best powerplay bowlers in the IPL, and MI will look to him to provide breakthroughs in the initial overs.
Rayudu also mentioned that the final bowling spot will go to a young Indian pacer, who will be chosen as an Impact Player based on conditions and opposition.
“Mitchell Santner (at No. 7), then (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Trent) Boult and Deepak Chahar. The remaining place will go to a young Indian player as the impact player depending upon the conditions,” Rayudu concluded.
