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Not Rohit Sharma And Hardik Pandya! 3 Game Changers For Mumbai Indians In IPL 2025

Rajgeeta∙ Updated: Jan 7 2025, 12:20 PM

Rohit Sharma in Mumbai Indians jersey [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Rohit Sharma in Mumbai Indians jersey [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

The biggest cricket tournament of 2025 is almost here — the Indian Premier League (IPL)! With 10 teams battling for the trophy in its 18th season, fans can't wait for the action to start. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are looking to make a strong comeback, with Hardik Pandya leading the charge.

As the mega-tournament is set to begin in two months, MI boasts a formidable squad with both strong batting and bowling line-ups. Let’s take a closer look at three star players who could be game-changers for MI in IPL 2025.

Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma, a 22-year-old rising star, has been in fantastic form for India in T20 cricket. Playing for Mumbai Indians since 2022, he has become a key player for the team. In 38 matches, he has scored 1,156 runs with an impressive strike rate of 146.33, including six half-centuries.

His recent domestic performances have been just as remarkable. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 327 runs in six innings, averaging 169.43. He even hit a blazing 151 off 67 balls in one match, proving he can be a game-changer. With this form, Tilak Varma is expected to be a crucial part of Mumbai Indians’ success this season.

Will Jacks

English cricketer Will Jacks is another player who could prove to be a vital asset for the Mumbai Indians. Acquired for INR 5.25 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, Jacks joins MI after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opted not to use their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain him. His performances in the previous season were sensational, especially his unbeaten century off just 41 balls that powered RCB to a nine-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT).

Jacks scored 230 runs in eight innings last season, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 175.57. The 26-year-old has the ability to accelerate the innings and deliver match-winning performances. His aggressive batting style and versatility make him a key player to watch out for in MI's lineup.

Mitchell Santner

New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner is a seasoned spinner who thrives in Indian conditions. His previous tours to India have highlighted his effectiveness, especially during a Test series where he claimed 13 wickets in a single match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The Wankhede Stadium, known for its spin-friendly pitch, is expected to favor Santner's style of bowling.

During his five seasons with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Santner played 18 matches and took 15 wickets. Although his IPL appearances have been limited, he has consistently proven his skills on the international stage. In the last IPL season, he played three games and picked up two wickets. Santner’s ability to contribute both as a dependable spinner and a lower-order batsman makes him a valuable addition to the MI squad and hence, he can be a game-changer.