3 Potential MI Debutants Who Can Be Match-Winners Against CSK In IPL 2025



Will Jacks played for RCB in 2024 [Source: IPLT20.com]Will Jacks played for RCB in 2024 [Source: IPLT20.com]

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Mumbai Indians scripted history when they became the first team to clinch five titles in the Indian Premier League. Although Delhi Capitals were at the receiving end in 2020, the last year when Mumbai emerged triumphant, Chennai Super Kings faced the wrath of the MI Paltan in three IPL finals. 

Whenever the IPL comes, the rivalry between MI and CSK becomes one of the hottest topics for discussion. It won't be any different this time, as both teams have assembled robust squads to conquer each other on the biggest stage. So, as the IPL 2025 nears, here are MI's three potential debutants who can be match-winners against CSK. 

3. Will Jacks

Innings
Runs
Average
SR
823032.86175.57

(IPL batting stats of Will Jacks)

  • England batter Will Jacks is known for his aggressive hitting at the top order. In eight IPL outings, Jacks has hammered 230 runs at an average of 32.86 and a blistering strike rate of 175.57. 
  • Jacks was purchased by Mumbai Indians for an amount of INR 5.25 crore in last year's mega auction. As a top-order batter, he can play a significant role for MI, especially in Chennai, where scoring briskly against the hard new ball is crucial. 
  • He is an excellent player of pace and can torment CSK's new-ball attack, potentially comprising Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Chaudhary. Apart from playing quick-fire knocks, Jacks can be handy with his off-spin bowling especially on Chennai's spin-friendly surface. In 91 T20 innings, Jacks has bagged 64 wickets at a strike rate of 18.8. 

2. Mitchell Santner

Format
Runs
Wickets
Bat Average/SR
Bowl Average/SR
T20233521622.89/130.3723.79/20.3
IPL701511.67/98.5928.13/24.40

(Mitchell Santner's record in T20s and IPL)

  • New Zealand's experienced all-rounder Mitchell Santner was secured by Mumbai Indians by INR 2 crores. He has been a vital cog in New Zealand's white-ball setup, establishing himself as a match-winner in international cricket. 
  • Santner was exceptional in the recently held Test series against India, dismantling the hosts with his guile and variations. Santner can be MI's wrecker-in-chief with the ball on Chennai's spin-friendly surface. The left-arm spinner has a well-disguised arm ball apart from the orthodox off-break that spins away from the right-handers. 
  • More importantly, his experience of playing alongside the CSK players and his ability to outfox the batters with his flight can make him a match-winner against the five-time champions. 

1. Allah Ghazanfar

Innings
Wickets
Average
Strike Rate
Economy
193013.5013.206.12

(Allah Ghazanfar's stats in T20 cricket)

  • Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, the guy who scripted Afghanistan's historic wins over South Africa and Bangladesh, is expected to be Mumbai's biggest match-winner against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings. 
  • Mumbai Indians have always emphasised buying power-hitters and fast bowlers. However, this time, they didn't ignore their spin bowling department, purchasing Ghazanfar for INR 4.80 Crores. It was one of their top buys in the mega auction, as the right-arm spinner can be their game-changer on spin-friendly tracks. 
  • Chennai Super Kings definitely have some vulnerability in the middle order. If they prepare rank turners at home, Ghazanfar can be Mumbai's counter for CSK's Noor Ahmad. He has showcased his mettle against the best of the opponents and can wreak havoc in the Super Kings camp.