The stage is set for a high-voltage Qualifier 2 showdown as five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) take on a resurgent Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With a spot in the IPL 2025 Final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the line, both teams are expected to leave it all on the field.
Mumbai’s Quest for Seventh Final
The Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are chasing their seventh IPL final appearance (after 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020) and an opportunity to clinch a record sixth title. They enter the clash with momentum, having defeated Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in the Eliminator, powered by a vital 81-run knock from Rohit Sharma.
Punjab Kings’ Eye on History
On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings are just one win away from their second-ever IPL final after 2014. Despite a six-wicket loss to RCB in their last outing, Punjab’s explosive batting unit, marshaled by head coach Ricky Ponting, remains a potent threat.
Punjab has surpassed 200 runs in 7 of their 15 innings this season, and they will hope the flat pitch in Ahmedabad favors their aggressive style, unlike the slower tracks in Mullanpur.
Head-to-Head: MI vs PBKS
- Total Matches Played: 32
- MI Wins: 17
- PBKS Wins: 15
- In IPL 2025: 1 win each
Players to Watch
Mumbai Indians
- Suryakumar Yadav: The middle-order maestro is in red-hot form, with 35 sixes this season.
- Hardik Pandya: With 109 runs off 53 balls at a 205.66 strike rate, he’s been lethal in the death overs.
- Jasprit Bumrah: MI’s pace spearhead will be crucial on the big stage.
- Fitness Concerns: Deepak Chahar and Richard Gleeson are uncertain due to hamstring issues.
Punjab Kings
- Shreyas Iyer: The captain has clobbered 31 sixes in 302 balls, leading from the front.
- Marcus Stoinis: Though quiet in the last game, he remains a key all-round asset.
- Yuzvendra Chahal: Expected to return from injury; his record against Bairstow (4 dismissals) and Suryakumar (3 dismissals) could be a game-changer.
- Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh: Vital with the new ball and at the death.
Pitch and Venue Advantage
Ahmedabad’s flat surface is known for high-scoring encounters, which might suit both sides’ big-hitting line-ups. Dew in the evening could also be a factor, making the toss crucial.
What’s at Stake
- Winner: Advances to the IPL 2025 Final on June 3 at the same venue against RCB.
- Loser: Crashes out of the tournament.
Squads
Mumbai Indians (MI):
Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Reece Topley, Karn Sharma, Mitchell Santner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Arjun Tendulkar, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz, Ashwani Kumar, Bevon Jacobs, Krishnan Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Satyanarayana Raju.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Praveen Dubey, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Yash Thakur, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, Harpreet Brar, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Pyla Avinash, Harnoor Singh.
Verdict:
With MI’s experience and PBKS’s hunger for history, this promises to be a blockbuster. All eyes are now on Sunday night, as two powerhouses battle for a shot at IPL glory.