Arjun Tendulkar out, Rohit Sharma to lead Mumbai Indians’ top order in IPL 2025

New Delhi: Mumbai Indians (MI) have emerged as one of the most formidable teams after the IPL 2025 mega-auction. On paper, they possess all the qualities needed to secure the title. Despite last winning the IPL in 2020, the five-time champions are determined to end their title drought this season. MI also made a key coaching change, parting ways with Mark Boucher and bringing back Mahela Jayawardene to lead the team.
MI remained mostly passive during the two-day auction, bidding for only a few key players. They successfully acquired most of the players they targeted. Before the mega-auction, MI retained five players, with Hardik Pandya set to continue as captain. As fans eagerly await the start of IPL 2025, let’s take a look at MI’s strongest playing XI for the season.
Openers
Rohit Sharma is set to open the innings once again, a position he’s held for several years in the IPL. He is likely to be partnered by Will Jacks, whom MI secured for ₹5.25 crore. Surprisingly, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) chose not to exercise their RTM card on the England batter.
Middle Order
Tilak Varma is expected to bat at number 3, a position where he has excelled recently, including three consecutive centuries. Suryakumar Yadav will follow at number 4, with Robin Minz, bought for ₹65 lakh, likely handling the finishing duties for MI.
All-rounders
Hardik Pandya will captain MI and lead their all-round attack, with the potential to open the bowling as well. Mitchell Santner, bought for ₹2 crore, is likely to be the overseas all-rounder in the playing XI.
Bowlers
Jasprit Bumrah will head MI’s pace attack, supported by Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. Chahar, a key new-ball wicket-taker, will likely open the bowling alongside Boult. Bumrah is expected to bowl in the middle and death overs. Karn Sharma is also tipped to feature in the XI.
Mumbai Indians’ likely playing XI for IPL 2025
Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (Captain), Robin Minz, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Mitchell Santner.