Preiring possible XI vs. PBKs of Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, with major selection dilemmas around Deepak Char and Richard Glison.
The IPL 2025 caravan has narrowed down to just three teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians. RCB has already booked their spot in the final, while MI and PBKS will face off in Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad, where the five-time champions will take on the underachievers in a massive knockout match.
MI’s top order is continuously clicking. Jonny Bairstow, brought in as a temporary replacement, provided a blistering start in the Eliminator, and Rohit Sharma played one of his best innings so far. Tilak Varma finding form with a crisp 25(11) was another key positive heading into the virtual semi-final. Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, as always, hold the middle-order core, while MI’s pace duo — Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult continue to strike early.
MI vs PBKS: Deepak Chahar or Ashwani? Gleeson or Topley?
The biggest call for MI will be the return of Deepak Chahar. Fit again after missing the Eliminator, Chahar could replace youngster Ashwani Kumar, who has shown promise but might be a risky bet in a high-pressure clash. Chahar, a three-time IPL winner, brings big-match experience but is enduring his worst season — 11 wickets in 14 games, an economy of 9.17. He starts well but often leaks runs in his last couple of overs — something the in-form and hard-hitting PBKS batters could exploit.
On the other hand, Richard Gleeson’s hamstring niggle during the Eliminator opens the door for Reece Topley. A tall left-armer with swing, Topley is a powerplay threat and provides variety in MI’s pace attack. If Gleeson isn’t 100%, MI might not risk him.
Mumbai Indians Predicted XI vs PBKS – IPL 2025 Qualifier 2
| No. | Player | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | Has 4 50+ scores in last 8 innings |
| 2 | Jonny Bairstow (wk) | Scored a blazing 22-ball 47 in the eliminator |
| 3 | Tilak Varma | Found form at the right time with 3 sixes |
| 4 | Suryakumar Yadav | Is averaging 67.30 with the bat at a SR of 167.83 at IPL 2025 |
| 5 | Hardik Pandya (c) | Needs big performance as leader |
| 6 | Naman Dhir | Middle-order floater, X-factor potential |
| 7 | Mitchell Santner | MI’s best spinner |
| 8 | Deepak Chahar | Experienced but leaky; fit again after hamstring issue |
| 9 | Reece Topley/Richard Gleeson | Likely to replace injured Gleeson; new-ball specialist |
| 10 | Trent Boult | Key match-up vs Prabhsimran, Iyer |
| 11 | Jasprit Bumrah | Has 18 wickets from 11 games at an average of 15.33 |
| *Impact Sub: Ashwani Kumar / Karn Sharma depending on pitch & toss outcome |
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