Big Stakes for Former Champions
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are locked on four points from six matches each in IPL 2025. Net run-rate currently separates the two on the points table. As both teams meet on April 17, it marks the beginning of a crucial stretch for them — and for fellow former champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who sit at the bottom.
Over the next ten days, these three teams face each other in a series of must-win clashes. With playoff hopes on the line, every match carries weight.
High Scores and Big Predictions
After SRH smashed 286/6 earlier this season, talk of a 300-run total doesn’t seem far-fetched. Dale Steyn, former SRH bowling coach, even predicted, “April 17 we’ll see the first 300 in IPL.” With MI up next, a repeat of last season’s explosive clash could be on the cards. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma had both struck quickfire sixties in that game — the foundation of SRH’s ultra-aggressive approach.
Form Watch: MI and SRH Struggle for Consistency
- MI’s last five matches: W L L W L
- SRH’s last five matches: W L L L L
Mumbai showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. Meanwhile, SRH ended a four-match losing streak with a successful 246-run chase against Punjab Kings.
Reunion Alert: Ishan Kishan Faces Former Team
Ishan Kishan, who played seven seasons for MI, now dons SRH colors after being bought for ₹11.25 crore. MI tried to retain him during the auction but dropped out after bidding reached ₹3.2 crore.
Despite a century in his first game, Kishan’s form has dipped, with three single-digit scores in his last four innings. Still, SRH coach Daniel Vettori remains confident:
“He’s just had a bit of bad luck… I still see the same player who hit that century.”
Likely Playing XIs
Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Will Jacks/Corbin Bosch/Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Karn Sharma/Vignesh Puthur
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (capt), Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga/Wiaan Mulder
Key Players and Match-ups
Jasprit Bumrah vs Abhishek Sharma
Bumrah has a solid record: 2 wickets for just 10 runs in 17 balls. Deepak Chahar (2 for 19) and Trent Boult (2 for 25) have also fared well against the explosive opener.
Trent Boult’s Powerplay Woes
In 2025, Boult has managed just two powerplay wickets, both at Wankhede. His strike rate has doubled (from 19 to 36), and his economy has jumped to 9.1.
Shami vs MI Batters
Shami enjoys a strong match-up against Rohit Sharma (3 dismissals, 65 runs off 58 balls) and Hardik Pandya (3 dismissals, though Hardik strikes at 180).
Tactical Calls: MI’s Spin Options
Wankhede offers balanced conditions, but MI’s spin strategy remains crucial. Santner’s slow, loopy bowling style — rare in today’s fast-spin era — could be vital. Vettori said:
“Mitch has stayed true to his slower style… He’s a challenge regardless of whether it’s a left- or right-hander.”
Possible spin combinations:
- Santner + Karn Sharma
- Santner + Vignesh Puthur
- Karn + Puthur
- All three
Stat Zone
- SRH have the worst powerplay economy rate in IPL 2025.
- MI’s opening pair averages just 22.16 — they must start stronger.
- Bumrah is just 4 wickets away from 300 career T20 wickets.
Final Word
As SRH and MI enter this high-pressure phase, the clash at Wankhede could be season-defining. With explosive top orders, unsettled bowling combinations, and a lot to prove, expect fireworks — and perhaps even that elusive 300-run mark.
Also Read : Injury Blow for SRH: Adam Zampa Ruled Out of IPL 2025 with Shoulder Issue
