Mumbai Indians Practice Match 2025 - MI Paltan IPL 2025 Preparations with Intense Intra-Squad Match

Mumbai Indians Sharpen IPL 2025 Preparations with Intra-Squad Clash at Wankhede

As the IPL 2025 season nears, Mumbai Indians ramped up their training with a high-intensity intra-squad practice match at Wankhede Stadium. With just a week left before the tournament opener, this match was a critical part of MI’s preseason, offering the coaching staff a chance to evaluate player form, fitness, and tactical setups under competitive match conditions.

After a disappointing 2024 campaign, MI are determined to stage a comeback, and their training camp has been abuzz with activity. The intra-squad contest saw key players returning from international duty and new signings getting their first real taste of the team’s game plan. Led by stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav and young talent Tilak Varma, the game provided an early glimpse of MI’s revamped strategy and showcased standout individual performances.

Leadership Adjustments and Squad Composition

The intra-squad game was split into two teams one captained by Suryakumar Yadav (Surya’s XI) and the other by Tilak Varma (Tilak’s XI). The decision to have Surya lead was significant, given that regular skipper Hardik Pandya is set to miss MI’s opening match due to a one-game suspension. Hardik, fresh from India’s Champions Trophy victory, was present at the camp but opted to focus on mentorship and individual training rather than captaining a side.

Meanwhile, long-time MI captain Rohit Sharma had just rejoined the squad but was eased into the setup, choosing to play without taking up the leadership role. This move allowed MI to test their emerging leaders and gauge how Surya handled on-field tactics in Hardik’s absence. The teams featured a mix of senior players, star overseas signings, and fresh domestic talent, ensuring a competitive and dynamic clash.

Among MI’s new acquisitions, pace duo Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar played crucial roles, spearheading their respective bowling attacks. Spin options included New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who replaced the injured Allah Ghazanfar. With Ishan Kishan no longer in the squad, MI also experimented with wicketkeeping choices, rotating between South African batter Ryan Rickelton and uncapped prospect Robin Minz.

Not a bad wicket to add to your resume ????

Watch till the end ????#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/Q9gpztmUzi

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 18, 2025

Tilak Varma Steals the Show with Bat and Ball

One of the biggest takeaways from the match was Tilak Varma’s standout performance. Batting for his own XI, Tilak showcased his fearless strokeplay, including an audacious switch-hit that earned cheers from the MI dugout. But his real moment came with the ball when he dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, forcing a mistimed sweep that was caught at square leg. Tilak celebrated with a playful bow, drawing laughter from Surya himself and highlighting the competitive yet spirited atmosphere of the game.

Tilak’s all-round brilliance in this game cements his growing reputation as a key X-factor for MI. With his ability to contribute in multiple roles, he could be a valuable asset in IPL 2025, especially with MI looking to balance their lineup efficiently.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Leadership and Form

Leading Surya’s XI, Suryakumar Yadav looked in sublime touch before falling to Tilak’s spin. He started his innings aggressively, executing his signature 360-degree strokes and finding gaps with innovative shot-making. Surya’s no-look scoop and ramp shots kept bowlers under pressure, a reassuring sight for MI fans who hope to see him replicate this form in the IPL.

More importantly, Surya’s approach as captain was noteworthy. He remained active on the field, adjusting field placements and engaging in constant discussions with bowlers. His proactive leadership and high-energy presence suggest that MI will be in safe hands in Hardik’s absence for the season opener.

New Bowling Attack Shows Promise

MI’s bowling unit, one of their weak points last season, showed considerable improvement in the practice match. Deepak Chahar, MI’s marquee buy from CSK, made an instant impact with the new ball, generating swing and knocking over an early wicket with a classic inswinger. Meanwhile, Trent Boult, returning to MI after a few seasons away, was effective with his left-arm angle, troubling batters with pace and accuracy.

On the spin front, Mitchell Santner was economical and used his experience at Wankhede to vary his pace effectively. Meanwhile, Mujeeb Ur Rahman offered a contrasting style with his mystery spin, trying different variations to deceive batters. The battle between Santner and Mujeeb in the middle overs indicated MI’s intent to experiment with spin combinations before finalizing their XI.

Another significant moment was the bowling stint of Arjun Tendulkar at the death. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the first few weeks of IPL 2025, MI tested Arjun alongside England’s Reece Topley as potential death-over specialists. Both delivered under pressure, hinting at promising depth in MI’s fast-bowling department.

Hardik Pandya’s Strategic Oversight

Despite not playing in the intra-squad match, Hardik Pandya remained an influential presence. He was actively mentoring younger players, offering tactical advice to bowlers, and engaging in mid-pitch discussions with batters. His leadership off the field reinforced MI’s focus on blending experienced stalwarts with emerging talents.

Head coach Mahela Jayawardene emphasized the importance of intensity in pre-season preparation. The intra-squad match reflected this philosophy, with players treating it like an actual IPL game diving in the field, celebrating wickets passionately, and executing game plans under pressure.

Tactical Takeaways for IPL 2025

One of the biggest insights from the match was MI’s focus on structuring their bowling attack. With a three-pacer, two-spinner combination looking likely, the team tested various permutations. Boult and Chahar operating together, Santner and Mujeeb bowling in tandem, and Arjun being deployed in the final overs were all experiments designed to build a well-rounded bowling unit.

In terms of batting order, MI trialed different opening partnerships, with Ryan Rickelton emerging as a strong candidate to partner Rohit Sharma at the top. Meanwhile, Robin Minz’s power-hitting cameo in the lower order bolstered his case for a finisher’s role.

The leadership dynamics were also revealing. Suryakumar Yadav’s confident captaincy and Tilak Varma’s tactical acumen suggest MI is grooming multiple leaders for the future. Even though Hardik Pandya remains the official captain, the franchise is clearly preparing for a seamless transition should leadership duties need to be shared.

MI’s Road to Redemption Begins

With IPL 2025 fast approaching, Mumbai Indians have taken a significant step in their preparation with this high-intensity intra-squad match. The game provided clarity on team combinations, reinforced leadership roles, and fine-tuned strategies ahead of the season.

If this match is any indication, MI fans can expect a more balanced, strategically astute team hitting the field. With a rejuvenated bowling attack, aggressive batting lineup, and strong leadership core, the five-time champions seem poised to make a strong statement this season.

All eyes will now be on the season opener as MI look to translate this preparation into performance on the IPL stage.