Mumbai Indians (MI) have bounced back this season after finishing in 10th place last year. They have sealed their playoff spot and will play the Eliminator match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
After losing four out of their five matches at the start of the season, MI pulled it back with dominant wins against formidable sides to qualify as the fourth-placed team at the end of the league stage.
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Each and every player from the starting XI has contributed in some way or the other, which helped MI finish strongly as they look to clinch a record sixth IPL trophy.
The MI management showed their faith in multiple new players like Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, and Corbin Bosch, who played important roles in Mumbai's run to the playoff stage.
As MI wait for their opponent in the Eliminator, The Sporting News takes a look at the potential playing XI they could field in the playoffs.
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MI predicted playing XI: How will they lineup in IPL 2025 playoffs?
All three of Rickelton, Jacks, and Bosch will be unavailable for the 2025 playoffs, which could prove to be a big headache for the five-time champions.
Rickelton and Bosch have been called up for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia by the South Africa cricket board.
Jacks on the other hand, will feature for the England side that will take on the West Indies for an ODI and T20 series starting on May 29.
The likes of Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka have been called up for the business end of the season, but it remains to be seen if they get performing right away, especially during a high-stakes clash.
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Tilak Varma's form has been a bit concerning this season, but the MI management continues to place their bets on the star batter. Deepak Chahar's availability is still unknown after the pacer picked up a hamstring injury in the last league match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Ashwani Kumar could replace him in the starting lineup as he is a bowler who has shown good potential.
Here is MI's predicted playing XI for the IPL 2025 playoffs:
1. Rohit Sharma
2. Jonny Bairstow (wk)
3. Suryakumar Yadav
4. Tilak Varma
5. Charith Asalanka
6. Hardik Pandya (c)
7. Naman Dhir
8. Mitchell Santner
9. Ashwani Kumar
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Trent Boult