Mumbai Indians have often been slow starters in the IPL, relying on the month of May to find momentum. In IPL 2025, that familiar pattern seems to be repeating. With just one win from their first four games, MI are nearing the danger zone in a tightly contested league where 16 points from 14 games is the usual benchmark for playoff qualification. However, there’s a silver lining for MI fans—Jasprit Bumrah is available for selection. A match-winner with the ball, Bumrah’s return could potentially turn the tide for Mumbai. Rohit Sharma, too, is set to return after a minor knee issue.
Still, Bumrah can’t fix all of MI’s issues—particularly their batting. In three of their four games so far, the opening pair hasn’t lasted beyond the second over. Rohit himself is going through a lean patch. The team has struggled to find stability in the batting order. Naman Dhir, one of the few bright spots, scored a brisk 46 off 24 balls when promoted to No. 3 against Lucknow Super Giants. But with Rohit coming back, Will Jacks may reclaim the No. 3 spot, which could push Dhir back down the order. Suryakumar Yadav has been the one consistent performer with the bat, while Tilak Varma’s struggles have continued despite his international success. Hardik Pandya, now captain, hasn’t been able to make an impact in the death overs. MI’s lower order too looks thin on firepower. Despite this, head coach Mahela Jayawardene sounded optimistic about flexibility in the batting order being their strength in the long run.
RCB’s Form and Motivation
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are having a strong season so far. Despite a recent loss at home to Gujarat Titans, they’ve won both their away matches—including a landmark win at Chepauk. Historically, RCB have struggled at the Wankhede, having not beaten MI here since 2015. With their top order in form and bowlers performing consistently, they’ll see this match as a golden opportunity to break that long-standing hoodoo.
Team News and Probable Playing XIs
Mumbai Indians
Bumrah and Rohit are expected to return, likely replacing Ashwani Kumar and Raj Bawa.
Probable XII: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Vignesh Puthur.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Virat Kohli missed training on the eve of the match but is expected to play. RCB may consider bringing in a spinner in place of Rasikh Salam.
Probable XII: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam/Suyash Sharma.
In Focus: Tilak Varma and Tim David
Tilak Varma has had a quiet IPL so far, despite a fantastic international run in T20s. His record at Wankhede doesn’t inspire confidence either—his highest score at this venue is just 38, and his strike rate is the lowest among grounds he’s played at regularly. Tim David, on the other hand, is returning to familiar territory. As a former MI power-hitter, his strike rate at Wankhede is among the highest in the league. Now playing for RCB, he’ll look to make a statement against his former team.
Pitch and Conditions
Hot and humid weather is expected in Mumbai, with temperatures in the low 30s. While the Wankhede is known for being a high-scoring venue, only four 200+ scores have been recorded here since 2024. Dew is likely to play a role, which means captains will prefer chasing.
Stats and Trivia
- Rohit Sharma has been dismissed 21 times in the powerplay since 2023, averaging just 24.95.
- Suryakumar Yadav leads the IPL in runs during chases since 2023, with a strike rate of 184.28.
- Tim David has hit the most sixes (31) in the death overs over the past three seasons.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar needs one more wicket to become IPL’s third-highest wicket-taker, behind only Piyush Chawla and Yuzvendra Chahal.
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