IPL 2025: Bumrah, Rohit return as Mumbai Indians elect to field against RCB

IANS April 7, 2025 268 views

Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash in an exciting IPL 2025 match at Wankhede Stadium. Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma make their much-anticipated return to the squad, providing a significant boost to Mumbai's lineup. Hardik Pandya won the toss and chose to bowl first, anticipating potential dew factors. Both teams are looking to make a statement in this crucial encounter.

"When the wicket is good, it stays that way, and with dew, it could only get better" - Hardik Pandya
Mumbai, April 7: Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returned from a long injury-enforced layoff as Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.

Key Points

1

Bumrah returns after long injury layoff

2

Mumbai Indians elect to bowl first

3

Hardik Pandya leads strategic toss decision

4

RCB seeking first Wankhede win since 2015

Bumrah has undergone treatment and rehabilitation since pulling up short with a lower back injury during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Sydney. Rohit has missed their last match against Lucknow Super Giants because of a knee injury. Their return definitely provides the adrenaline boost that MI needs after losing three matches in four games.

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya said he opted to bowl first because the track looks good and dew might come into play later in the evening.

"When the wicket is good, it stays that way, and with dew, it could only get better," said Pandya, who revealed that they are missing certain things at certain moments. He added that playing at home gives them a good chance to play good cricket and entertain the crowd.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar said he would have opted to chase on this wicket. He, however, felt it would not make much difference and thought the wicket would remain good for the batters throughout the match.

"Playing good cricket is the focus, rather than looking at the points table at the moment," said Patidar, adding that they are confident about their bowling unit.

It is altogether another matter that RCB have not beaten Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium since 2015. And with the two teams set to play only once this season, this is their only chance to put the record straight.

Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

Impact substitutes: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar, Swastik Chikara, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh

Mumbai Indians: Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Vignesh Puthur

Impact substitutes: Rohit Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
So glad to see Boom Boom Bumrah back in action! 🎉 MI's bowling attack looks lethal now. That injury break must've been tough for him, but he's looking sharp in the warmups!
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Priya M.
Not sure about Hardik's decision to bowl first. MI's batting has been shaky this season and we could've used the advantage of setting a target. Hope the gamble pays off!
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Arjun S.
That RCB batting lineup looks scary! Kohli, Salt, and Livingstone in top form. But with Bumrah back, this will be a proper test for both teams. Can't wait for the match to start!
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Shreya P.
Why is Rohit only in impact subs? After missing last match, he should be in playing XI. MI management decisions keep confusing me this season 🤔
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Vikram J.
That stat about RCB not winning at Wankhede since 2015 is crazy! Records are meant to be broken though. Hoping for a close contest tonight âš¡
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Neha R.
As an RCB fan, I'm nervous but excited! Our bowling has improved this season, but facing Bumrah is always tough. Come on boys, time to change that Wankhede record! 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
IPL 2025 Mumbai Indians Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jasprit Bumrah Rohit Sharma Hardik Pandya Cricket
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