Trouble For PBKS! MI Players Who Can Turn The Tables In Qualifier 2

Anurag Dasgupta

PBKS Vs MI: Game changers [Source: AP Photo]PBKS Vs MI: Game changers [Source: AP Photo]

The stage is set for the Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as the high-flying Mumbai Indians collide with Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Both the sides had contrasting results in their respective playoff matches, with MI defeating GT in Eliminator and PBKS losing against RCB in Qualifier 1.

The Hardik Pandya led MI team were superb in a close-fought win over GT as their batters performed superbly, and it was followed by the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah who turned the tides for his team. Now, with the Qualifier 2 coming up, here are the MI players who can cause havoc for the Shreyas Iyer led PBKS.

1) Rohit Sharma

When the stakes are high, Rohit Sharma tends to deliver as witnessed in the Eliminator clash. Against a strong GT bowling unit, the former MI captain wreaked havoc as he batted with precision and slammed a quick-fire 81 off 50 and laid the foundation for a big win. This season, he has done well with the bat and PBKS bowlers need to find a way to dismiss him.

Criterion
Data
Matches14
Runs410
50s4
Strike rate150.18

(Rohit in IPL 2025)

As the table suggests, Rohit has breached the 400-run mark and while the numbers could have been a bit better, it is his strike-rate which makes Rohit a wonderful commodity. He scores quickly and thus can take the game away quickly. Can PBKS stop him? only time will tell.

2) Jasprit Bumrah

How do you stop someone who is literally the most complete bowler in the world?. The answer is yet to be found but PBKS need to find the solution in the Qualifier 2. Irrespective of how many runs MI score, MI will always be in the winning position as they have 4 overs of Bumrah in the tank. Against GT, he turned the tables with his splendid spell.

Criterion
Data
Runs conceded27
Balls delivered24
Dismissals
1
Economy6.75

(Bumrah vs GT)

An economy rate of just 6.75 in a run-chase of 229 showcases Bumrah's brilliance to absorb pressure. He is terrific with the new ball, with the old ball and PBKS somehow needs to find a way to tackle him.

3) Suryakumar Yadav

Arguably the best batter of IPL 2025, Suryakumar Yadav has not just scored runs, but has scored them at a rapid pace which causes trouble in opposition camp. 673 runs already for MI and each of those 673 runs have come in victory.

Criterion
Data
Matches15
Runs673
50s5
Strike rate167.83

(SKY stats in IPL 2025)

In just 15 matches, SKY has proven his class as he approaches 700 runs in the league. Mr 360 is MI's best batter and Shreyas Iyer and his troops need to find a method to contain his range of strokes or else, they could be eliminated from the tournament.