Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face off in the 45th match of IPL 2025 at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The match will start at 3:30 PM. This match will highlight two key players. Rohit Sharma, the MI opener, had a slow start to IPL 2025 but has recently found form with back-to-back fifties. He has reminded everyone of his class and ability. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant of LSG is struggling with just 106 runs from 110 balls in 9 matches, and his frustration was visible during LSG's last game, where he was seen talking animatedly with mentor Zaheer Khan in the dugout.
MI’s Revenge Mission
The match is particularly important for MI as they seek revenge after their loss to LSG earlier this season. MI failed to chase 204 runs and lost by 12 runs. There was also the controversial decision to retire Tilak Varma in that game. However, MI has turned things around since then, winning four consecutive matches. They now sit 4th on the points table, tied on points with LSG, making this match a crucial 4-pointer.
Current Form and Player Performances
Both teams have won five out of their nine games so far. MI’s key performers have included Ashwani Kumar, Karn Sharma, Will Jacks, Rohit Sharma, and Trent Boult. For LSG, Shardul Thakur, Digvesh Rathi, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Avesh Khan have been standout players.
MI had a slow start to the season, losing four of their first five games. However, their form has improved with four consecutive wins. Rohit Sharma has been in excellent form, scoring two successive 70s, while Boult and Bumrah have performed well at the death. With confidence high, captain Hardik Pandya believes MI can dominate once everyone clicks.
In contrast, LSG has faced difficulties recently, losing two of their last three matches. While they had a strong start to the season, their form has dipped. Pant and Miller have struggled, weakening the middle order. Pooran’s recent scores of 8, 11, and 9 have only added to the pressure.
LSG’s Head-to-Head Advantage
Despite their recent struggles, LSG holds a 6-1 head-to-head advantage over MI. This includes their earlier win against MI when the latter failed to chase 204 runs. However, MI has a strong home record, winning three of their four games at Wankhede, which could work in their favor.
Team News: Who’s Playing?
MI will aim to maintain their winning momentum and are unlikely to make many changes to their lineup. One injury concern is Karn Sharma, who suffered a split webbing in MI’s match against SRH. Kieron Pollard confirmed that Sharma has been training with the team, and a final decision will be made on game day.
For LSG, Mayank Yadav could make an appearance. He was on the impact subs bench for the loss to DC but is now deemed fit. It remains to be seen if LSG will include him in their playing XI against MI.
Pitch and Weather Report
Wankhede Stadium has hosted four night matches so far in IPL 2025, with MI winning three after opting to bowl first and restricting their opponents to below-par scores. However, Sunday’s match will be a day game, meaning MI may need to rethink their strategy. LSG, who defended a total in their last game against RR, might consider the same approach.
The weather is expected to be hot and humid, with temperatures around 35°C at toss time. As the match progresses, humidity is expected to rise to 62%.
Predicted Playing XI's
Mumbai Indians (MI): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah. Impact sub: Vignesh Puthur.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan. Impact sub: Mayank Yadav.