Mumbai Indians Aim to Revitalize Their Glorious Past | Cricbuzz.com

**IPL 2025 Team Preview: Mumbai Indians Seek a Return to Former Glory**

As the tapestry of leadership from the past, present, and future unfurls in the Mumbai Indians’ camp, the franchise is keenly poised to rediscover its championship pedigree under the stewardship of Hardik Pandya. The intriguing dynamic within this illustrious team, combined with the high-caliber leadership styles of players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, sets the stage for a compelling season.

Ahead of the previous year’s T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma faced questions about leading peers, including those he had played under just weeks prior. This could have been awkward; however, Hardik Pandya is in an even more intricate scenario, captaining teammates such as Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav—figures he once followed in India’s national lineup. Adding to this leadership confluence is Jasprit Bumrah, a player whose recent stint as India’s captain underscores his leadership acumen. Within MI, this amalgamation of former, current, and prospective captains—embodied by promising talents like Tilak Varma—fosters a cohesive, professional environment.

Pandya’s captaincy journey has not been free of hurdles. His appointment met with resistance, particularly from the stands, as he replaced Rohit at the helm amid a tough season marked by losses. The 2024 campaign concluded dismally for MI, overshadowed by their rich reservoir of talent. However, in the intervening months, Pandya’s own performances on the international stage have transformed his public perception, making him a celebrated leader ahead of IPL 2025.

As Pandya leads the charge this season, the Mumbai Indians are primed to be formidable contenders, echoing their storied success from previous title-winning seasons.

**Full Squad:**
Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mitchell Santner, Ryan Rickelton, Reece Topley, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Vignesh Puthur, Bevon Jacobs, Satyanarayana Raju, Raj Bawa, Ashwani Kumar, Arjun Tendulkar, Corbin Bosch, and Krishnan Srijith.

**Projected Best XII:**
Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Krishnan Shrijith (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman.

*Note*: Hardik Pandya will miss the opening fixture due to a one-match suspension, while Jasprit Bumrah, recovering from a back injury, is expected to be absent from the initial matches, though his return is anticipated in short order.

**Injury and Availability Concerns:**
Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness remains a pivotal concern for MI, as the franchise’s premier fast bowler deals with back stress. His timetable for rejoining the squad is yet unclear, but expectations are cautiously optimistic for a timely recovery.

**Key Players to Watch:**
– **Rohit Sharma:** Despite an illustrious international and IPL career, Sharma finds himself under scrutiny, his current form and rhythm of significant interest to national selectors ahead of the English Test series. His starts will be critical for MI’s fortunes this season.

– **Ryan Rickelton:** The emerging talent from South Africa arrives with high expectations following a prolific SA20 season. His partnership with Sharma at the helm of the batting order could be a defining aspect of IPL 2025.

**Season Outlook:**
Traditionally slow starters, Mumbai must navigate a challenging early schedule, including fixtures against adept opponents like Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. Success in these matchups, particularly their first few at home, is vital for setting a strong foundation in the points table.

**Home Advantage:**
Suryakumar Yadav’s remarkable record at Wankhede Stadium offers MI a strategic advantage. His performance at home could be instrumental as he aims to replicate and enhance his batting prowess outside familiar conditions.

With the curtain rising on IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians are set to enthrall cricket enthusiasts as they endeavor to reclaim their dominance in the world’s most celebrated T20 league. The team, led by dynamic stewardship and loaded with talent, is one to watch closely this season.