IPL 2025: 3 Weaknesses of Mumbai Indians (MI)

Mumbai Indians (MI), despite being one of the most successful teams in IPL history, had a terrible season last year, finishing last with just eight points from 14 games. It was Hardik Pandya’s first season as captain, but things didn't go as planned.

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With a 23-member squad, MI will be eager to regain their form in the upcoming season under the leadership of the star India all-rounder. However, there are key areas that Hardik needs to address and find solutions for if MI hopes to compete for the title again.  

Here are the 3 Weaknesses of MI for the IPL 2025

Opening slot with Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma will open the innings, but the big question is—who will partner him at the top? Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks are two possible options. Rickelton has often opened the batting for South Africa and in various franchise leagues, so MI fans might expect him to take up the same role. However, using Jacks in the lower middle order could be a waste, as he is best suited to the top three. An opening pair of Jacks and Rohit could give MI the flexibility to use Rickelton as their wicketkeeper and a batting option at No. 6 or 7, strengthening their middle order.

Lack of quality spinners

This is MI’s biggest concern heading into IPL 2025—they genuinely lack quality, wicket-taking spinners. Mitchell Santner is the only in-form spinner with plenty of experience, but other options like Karn Sharma and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have struggled with consistency. Taking wickets while controlling the run flow in the middle overs will be crucial for MI’s success, and these spinners will have a key role to play. If they fail to deliver, MI could struggle to keep opposition batters in check during crucial phases of the game.   

Lack of finishers down the order

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Tim David is no longer there to provide MI with explosive finishes, which leaves a big gap in their lower middle order. Looking at their top five batters, the finisher’s role at No. 6 and 7 does not seem very strong. MI might have to rely on Naman Dhir, Ryan Rickelton, or Bevon Jacobs for those positions. However, given Jacobs’ power-hitting ability and the fact that he can bowl, there is a strong chance MI could use Rickelton as an opener and deploy Jacobs as their finisher. If that happens, Will Jacks might find it difficult to secure a spot in the playing XI.

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