Mumbai Indians IPL 2025: 5 players to watch out for ft. Tilak Varma

Mumbai Indians (MI) are ready to compete in IPL 2025 with a fresh determination and balance of veteran players and young guns. Having had a disappointing last season, finishing at the bottom of the table, MI are looking to bounce back and reassert their position as one of the league’s top teams.

With a revamped squad, the light is now on players who can carry the five-time champions on their shoulders. Among them is Tilak surea player to keep an eye out for, but he is just one of a few.

5 players who will determine the fate of Mumbai Indians’ success this year

1) Tilak Varma: The emerging star

Tilak Varma has rapidly emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the IPL. Retained by Mumbai Indians for INR 8 crores, he has already made his mark with brilliant performances in the last three seasons. With 1,156 runs at an average of nearly 40 and a strike rate of 146.33, Varma has demonstrated his capability to score at a good pace and handle various batting spots.

His value to MI is that while he has batted down the order at times, his best position to play naturally is number three or four. This enables him to steady innings or push the scoring along when necessary. Varma’s recent performances for the Indian team also emphasize his ability and preparedness for high-pressure games. While MI looks to bounce back after a tough last season, Varma’s services will be paramount in steadying the batting order and offering consistent run-scoring.

2) Hardik Pandya: The all-round captain

Hardik Pandya returns as captain after serving a one-match suspension at the start of IPL 2025. Known for his explosive batting and impactful bowling, Pandya is one of MI’s most valuable players. His ability to finish games with aggressive batting makes him a key figure in tight matches.

Pandya is a leader who promotes aggressive gameplay, and the overall strategy at MI will gain from this as well. Being an experienced hand at leading India in all the formats also increases the value in his captaincy. With return from suspension, Pandya needs to find rhythm quickly in order to lead MI against strong challengers.

3) Deepak Chahar: The swing specialist

Deepak Chahar is a valuable asset to Mumbai Indians’ bowling unit this year after shifting from Chennai Super Kings. He is renowned for his lethal swing bowling and performs well in powerplay overs. Chahar can be especially dangerous on wickets that favour seam movement. His early wicket-taking skills can be a game-changer for MI’s bowling plan.

Chahar’s exposure to high-pressure cricket makes him a precious resource for MI’s team. He has been performing consistently in T20 cricket, displaying his ability to take wickets and control run rates conceded. His combination with other fast bowlers will be important as they look to restrict the opposing batsmen during key moments of the match. Chahar’s performances will play a significant role in helping MI assert itself with the ball, particularly in the absence of Jasprit bumrah in the initial stages of the tournament.

4) Riyan Rickelton: The dynamic batter

Riyan Rickeltonthe South African wicketkeeper-batter, is one of the thrilling new faces in Mumbai Indians this year. This aggressive batter has created news in domestic tournaments and T20 leagues globally. With his penchant for quick runs and out-of-the-box shots, he’s a promising recruit to MI’s batting arsenal.

Rickelton’s contribution will be especially significant since he can deliver explosive beginnings or boost scoring in middle overs. His versatility enables him to slot into different batting spots, which increases MI’s flexibility in their order. With experience playing with experienced players such as Rohit Sharma and Surya Kumar YadavRickelton can emerge as a vital player for MI this season.

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5) Trent Boult: The experienced campaigner

Trent Boult is yet another experienced player who provides depth to Mumbai’s bowling. With his ability to swing the new ball and pick up early wickets, Boult’s experience is a valuable asset, particularly when playing at grounds such as Wankhede Stadium, where fast bowlers may get favourable conditions.

His partnership with Chahar can create significant pressure on opposing batsmen during power plays. Boult’s ability to take wickets consistently sets a tone that can benefit MI throughout the tournament. With both Boult and Chahar leading the charge, MI’s bowling attack becomes one of the most formidable in the league.

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