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From Rohit's Struggle To Pandya's Decline; Biggest Concerns For MI Before IPL 2025 Eliminator

Debashis Sarangi

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya [Source: AP]Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya [Source: AP]

Mumbai Indians (MI) had a forgettable day on the field last night, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) swatted them aside by seven wickets in the 69th group-stage match of the IPL 2025. This defeat was a nasty blow to MI's quest for a top-two finish, as the five-time champions maintained their fourth position, confirming their participation in the eliminator. 

Although MI made a remarkable comeback in the tournament after a shaky start, they have several grey areas to resolve ahead of the knockout clash. There are some factors, which, if not assessed, could lead to their defeat in the eliminator, as mentioned below. 

Inconsistency Of Rohit Sharma And Tilak Varma

  • Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma have been two of the most crucial players for MI over the years. However, the duo has been quite inconsistent with the bat, letting MI down on several occasions. 
  • In his last five IPL 2025 innings, Rohit has struck 101 runs at a mediocre average of 20.2 and a strike rate of 134.67. On a similar note, Tilak Varma hasn't been the same player following his twin fifties against RCB and DC, managing only 41 runs in his last four innings at a horrible average of 10.25. 
  • The inconsistent returns of these two core players have made MI over-reliant on the in-form Suryakumar Yadav. Thus, the onus is on Rohit and Tilak to fine-tune their game and put up a better batting effort for MI in the upcoming eliminator clash. 

Can Bairstow Compensate For The In-Form Rickelton?

  • Ryan Rickelton has been MI's second-best batter after Suryakumar Yadav in the IPL 2025. Opening the batting, Rickelton has slammed 388 runs at an average of 29.84 and a strike rate of 150.97. 
  • However, the South African ace will leave the MI camp and join his Proteas teammates to start preparations for the upcoming WTC final. Experienced English batter Jonny Bairstow is expected to replace him in the MI playing XI. 
  • Renowned for his power-hitting abilities, Bairstow hasn't been at his best in T20 cricket of late. The English cricketer averaged just over 20 in The Hundred 2024, scoring 123 runs across seven innings. Furthermore, he has some evident flaws against the nip-backer and can be undone early by quality seamers in the eliminator. 
  • Thus, bringing in Bairstow, who hasn't played a single IPL game this season, to fill the in-form Rickelton's void is nothing short of a gamble that could go either way for MI in the eliminator. 

The Decline Of Hardik Pandya

Criterion
Data
Runs106
Wickets3
Bat Average17.67
Bowl Average55.34
Economy
10.37

(Hardik Pandya in last 8 IPL 2025 matches)

  • MI captain Hardik Pandya had a magnificent start to the season, stepping up with bat and ball for his team in the initial few matches. 
  • However, soon after registering a clinical five-wicket haul against LSG, Pandya witnessed an exponential downfall in his bowling form. He has bagged only three wickets while conceding 10.37 runs per over in the last eight matches. 
  • The swashbuckling middle-order batter hasn't been phenomenal with the bat either, managing only 106 runs in those games at an average of 17.67. 
  • Thus, considering his importance as a proven match-winner for MI, Pandya needs to level up his game and silence his critics before it's too late.