As Mumbai Indians gear up for IPL 2025, they do so with a familiar blueprint — building around a solid core while adding experience to maintain their winning pedigree.
With five key Indian players retained and a well-balanced squad assembled at the mega auction, the franchise remains committed to its time-tested formula.
With the new group of guys, including some familiar faces like Trent (Boult), who played a crucial role in our 2020 success, it’s about putting the puzzle together. We need to gel as a team, understand our strengths, and start well. I was reminded recently that we haven’t won our first game since 2012. Both Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), who will lead us in the opener, and I have a big challenge ahead to change that.
Mumbai Indians’ auction strategy was clear—investing in experience. Jayawardene emphasised the importance of having seasoned players in the mix:
“It’s not easy to win an IPL trophy, and Mumbai Indians have built a legacy of doing that. This year, we’ve added even more experience to our core. We now have seven players who have won IPL titles with different franchises. As a coach, my job is to create the right structure and get the best out of them.”
One of Mumbai Indians’ biggest assets is the wealth of leadership on the field, with four Indian captains — Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya — all bringing their tactical acumen to the team. Hardik, who will lead the side, knows the value of having such experience around him.
I’m lucky to have three captains playing with me. It gives me so much experience to draw from. I know that when I need help, there are three different minds who have led India in various formats, always ready to put an arm around my shoulder.
The road to a potential sixth title begins on March 23 in Chennai against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings, followed by an away game against Gujarat Giants.
“Iss baar koi aur colour nahi dikhna chahiye. (This time, no other colour should be seen). Just make noise. When I come out to bat, bowl, at the toss — just make noise.”
With a rock-solid core, proven match-winners, and an unwavering fan base, Mumbai Indians are ready to turn up the heat in IPL 2025.
