IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra predicts Mumbai Indians' playing XI, picks 2 superstars as top performers

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted Mumbai Indians' (MI) probable playing XI for the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The cricketer-turned-commentator also picked his highest run-getter and leading wicket-taker for the five-time IPL champions in the upcoming season.

Mumbai Indians retained Jasprit Bumrah (₹18 crore), Hardik Pandya (₹16.35 crore), Suryakumar Yadav (₹16.35 crore), Rohit Sharma (₹16.30 crore), and Tilak Varma (₹8 crore) ahead of the mega auction. The franchise acquired 18 players at the auction, forming a 23-member squad for the upcoming season.

Aakash Chopra Names Mumbai Indians' Probable Playing XI

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Ryan Rickelton will open with Rohit Sharma. Chopra picked Will Jacks at No. 3 ahead of Suryakumar Yadav. He selected Mitchell Santner as a specialist spinner, with Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, and Jasprit Bumrah as the fast bowlers.

"The playing XI can be made in two ways. The team has to decide what they want to do. One will be Ryan Rickelton with Rohit (Sharma). You can keep Will Jacks at No. 3, although it comes with its own set of issues as Suryakumar Yadav will go to No. 4, Tilak Varma to No. 5, Hardik Pandya to No. 6, and you will get Naman Dhir at No. 7," Aakash Chopra said.

"Then Mitchell Santner at No. 8. There is a lot of depth but everyone, except Rohit Sharma, is batting a spot lower than their spot. I am assuming Bumrah is fit, so you will find Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah after Santner, and you can include a bowler as the Impact Player," Chopra added.

Aakash Chopra Predicts Mumbai Indians' Top Performers in IPL 2025

Aakash Chopra predicted that Will Jacks might be the highest run-scorer for Mumbai Indians if Tilak Varma bats lower in the order. Chopra said that Trent Boult could be the highest wicket-taker. He also stated that Robin Minz and Naman Dhir are players to watch.

"Who will score the most runs for this team? I thought Tilak Varma, but if he is batting down the order, maybe Will Jacks. Most wickets? I am thinking Trent Boult because he will play all matches. Robin Minz and Naman Dhir could be the players to watch out for, depending on how many opportunities they get," Chopra observed.

Trent Boult played for Mumbai Indians during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, where he took 38 wickets in 29 matches. The 35-year-old pacer was then bought by Rajasthan Royals (RR) during the 2022 mega auction. After three years, Boult returns to MI, who secured him for ₹12.50 crore in the 2025 mega auction.

Hardik Pandya to Miss MI's Opening Game of IPL 2025

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL campaign on March 23 against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, they will be without their captain, Hardik Pandya, for the opening match due to a suspension.

Hardik was suspended after failing to complete their overs on time three times during IPL 2024. As the third violation occurred in MI’s final match, Pandya's suspension carries over into IPL 2025. Rohit Sharma, the franchise's former captain, or Suryakumar Yadav may step in as captain for the first game.

Also read: After going unsold in IPL 2025 auction, KS Bharat joins a new team