Big blow for MI: Deepak Chahar, Tilak Varma doubtful for IPL 2025 Eliminator
Published - 29 May 2025, 04:00 PM | Updated - 29 May 2025, 11:36 PM
Mumbai Indians (MI) have been dealt a couple of injury blows ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Eliminator match against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Mullanpur on May 30. MI pacer Deepak Chahar and middle-order batter Tilak Varma were seen limping before the playoff match in the marquee tournament.
Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, suffered a disappointing defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last league match. As a result, they failed to secure a berth in Qualifier 1. The Mumbai-based franchise has also said goodbye to three key overseas players from their squad ahead of the Eliminator clash.
Mumbai Indians Set to Face Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 Eliminator Clash
Mumbai Indians are set to face Gujarat Titans in a high-stakes Eliminator clash after finishing fourth in the league stage with eight wins from 14 matches. The match will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
Notably, the winner of the Eliminator will advance to face the loser of Qualifier 1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play in Qualifier 1 on May 29 at the same venue.
The pressure is immense heading into the knockout, as the loser will be eliminated from the tournament. Gujarat Titans hold a slight psychological advantage, having beaten Mumbai twice earlier this season.
Watch: Deepak Chahar and Tilak Varma Spotted Limping Ahead of IPL 2025 Eliminator
Deepak Chahar’s career has been marred by recurring injuries. The pace bowler, who has been a key part of the bowling unit alongside Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, sustained an injury during a match against the Punjab Kings. Chahar bowled three overs after receiving strapping on his leg.
Ahead of the crucial Eliminator against the Gujarat Titans, Chahar and Tilak Varma appear to be struggling with injuries. A recent video circulating on social media shows Chahar limping at the airport, suggesting he may not be fit for the knockout clash.
Tilak Varma, who had hurt his knee during the same game, also appeared to be in discomfort while traveling with the team to Mullanpur. If both key players are unfit, it could significantly affect Mumbai Indians’ chances of winning the high-pressure match.
Watch the video of the same posted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) below:
Seems Both Tilak Varma & Deepak Chahar Unlikely to Play The Eliminator Against GT. in Recent Video Both Looked Limping While Travelling to Mullanpur. Its Ain't Looking Good Bruv 🚶 pic.twitter.com/aqdqAO6kRS
— яιşнí. (@BellaDon_3z) May 29, 2025
Tilak Varma’s IPL 2025 Campaign Falls Short of Expectations
Tilak Varma's IPL 2025 campaign has fallen short of expectations despite a couple of promising innings. While he managed back-to-back fifties earlier in the season, he has struggled with consistency, especially when batting in the middle order.
Tilak has scored 274 runs in 11 innings at an average of 30.44 and a strike rate of 131.73. The team’s top-order options—Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav—have limited his opportunities to bat regularly at No. 3 or 4. It’s worth mentioning that he was even retired out against LSG.
Mumbai Indians, the most successful franchise with five IPL titles, will be aiming to keep their hopes alive for a record-extending sixth trophy.
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