The IPL is often described as a tournament of two halves—and Mumbai Indians seem determined to prove that theory right once again. After a rocky start to their IPL 2025 campaign, where they managed just one win in the first four games, MI have staged a remarkable turnaround. With four victories in their last five matches, they have not only silenced critics but also rekindled memories of their famous late-season surges.
Their latest resurgence has coincided with the return to form of their talisman, Rohit Sharma. Having scored a mere 38 runs in the first four games, Rohit has exploded back into life with 190 runs across the next four, playing a pivotal role in MI’s winning streak. His commanding presence at the top has brought back the familiar fear factor for opponents.
MI batting coach Kieron Pollard, never shy of backing his players, had a moment of vindication recently. “At the start of the competition, many doubted. I said then, we will soon be singing Rohit’s praises,” Pollard smiled. “Sometimes players just need support. We always knew it was just a matter of time.”
As Mumbai Indians prepare to host Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (April 27) afternoon, they will be hoping that Rohit’s golden touch, along with a resurgent Suryakumar Yadav, continues to power their campaign.
MI’s Juggernaut Is Rolling Again
The Mumbai Indians’ turnaround hasn’t been limited to batting. Their bowling unit, led by Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, and Jasprit Bumrah, has found its rhythm too. With the ball swinging and seaming under the hot Mumbai sun, MI’s pacers have made life increasingly difficult for opposition batters.
The momentum clearly appears to be with MI as they step into their home fortress, Wankhede, where they are traditionally tough to beat.
Injury concerns are minimal, although clarity over Karn Sharma’s availability remains awaited. Encouragingly for MI fans, Karn was spotted bowling in the nets, suggesting a possible return to action.
Lucknow Super Giants: A Tale of Missed Momentum
While MI have gathered steam, the Lucknow Super Giants have endured a stop-start campaign. Level on points with MI, LSG have struggled to string together consistent performances.
A major worry for LSG has been the form—or the lack of it—of their captain, Rishabh Pant. The star wicketkeeper-batsman has managed only 106 runs in nine outings, a slump that forced the team management to demote him to No. 7 in their previous match. For a player bought at a hefty price tag, Pant’s prolonged struggles have clearly unsettled LSG’s balance.
On the brighter side, LSG’s bowlers have stood up tall. Their pace-spin combination featuring Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Digvesh Singh Rathi, and Prince Yadav has kept them in contests.
“Our spin unit has worked very hard,” Ravi Bishnoi said ahead of the clash. “It’s not just that batters are struggling; bowlers are bowling smartly. Especially Rathi, who’s doing a commendable job in his first IPL season.”
The Battle Lines: MI Batters vs LSG Bowlers
Sunday’s afternoon clash promises to be a fierce contest between Mumbai’s explosive batting and Lucknow’s determined bowling attack.
For MI, the key will be how Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav handle the threat of Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Singh Rathi. These two spinners have been LSG’s trump cards on spin-friendly surfaces this season.
Mumbai’s pace battery will have its task cut out too. Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and Aiden Markram have been among the few consistent performers with the bat for LSG. Expect Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult to test them early, with Jasprit Bumrah looming as the ultimate insurance plan for MI at the death.
MI VS LSG Head-to-Head Record and What to Expect
History favors LSG in this matchup. They have won six out of their seven encounters against MI, including both previous meetings at Wankhede. However, form and momentum appear to favor the five-time champions this time around.
With the match scheduled for 3:30 PM IST, dew won’t play a factor, ensuring that toss won’t tilt the scales heavily. Given the hard and fast Wankhede surface and the firepower on both sides, a high-scoring thriller is very much on the cards.
MI VS LSG Team Updates and Probable XIs
Mumbai Indians:
No major injuries reported. Karn Sharma’s availability remains uncertain but hopeful.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Piyush Chawla/Karn Sharma.
Lucknow Super Giants:
Mayank Yadav remains unavailable. Rest of the squad is fit.
Probable XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Shardul Thakur, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav.
Did You Know?
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LSG have registered four wicketless PowerPlays this season — the most, along with Rajasthan Royals.
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Despite their struggles, LSG have smashed the most sixes this season — 86 in total.
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Mumbai Indians boast the third-best PowerPlay strike rate, trailing only Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
PBKS vs KKR Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
PBKS vs KKR Live Telecast: Star Sports Network (Select channels with Hindi, English, regional language options)
PBKS vs KKR Live Streaming: JioCinema (free in India across all languages and devices)
