In a high-stakes encounter on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Mumbai Indians (MI) face off in opposition to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025. With a spot within the remaining in opposition to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the road, each groups have made important adjustments to their taking part in XIs. The match, scheduled for June 1, 2025, has already seen drama with a rain delay and strategic workforce shuffles, setting the stage for a gripping playoff battle.
A rain-soaked pink carpet and a vital toss of IPL 2025 Qualifier 2
Because the PBKS squad made their entrance amid fiery pyrotechnics, an surprising drizzle descended, threatening to disrupt proceedings and including one other layer of rigidity to an already crucial match. With playoff guidelines permitting a two-hour window earlier than overs are lowered—and the potential for PBKS advancing in case of a washout as a consequence of their superior league end, the toss gained even larger significance.
PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, citing overcast skies and a pitch stored below covers, opted to area first, hoping to take advantage of early motion for his seamers. The Kings, nonetheless buoyed by the return of Yuzvendra Chahal from harm, seemed to bounce again from their Qualifier 1 setback, whereas MI’s captain Hardik Pandya admitted he would have most well-liked to bowl as nicely, referencing the flatness of Ahmedabad pitches in latest seasons and the pattern of excessive first-innings scores.
Additionally READ: Defined: Who will attain IPL 2025 remaining if Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 will get washed out?
Motive behind Richard Gleeson’s absence
The largest information from the Mumbai Indians’ camp was the inclusion of England’s left-arm fast Reece Topley, who changed the injured Richard Gleeson. Gleeson, who sustained a hamstring niggle through the Eliminator in opposition to Gujarat Titans, was dominated out after being unable to complete his spell in that match. Pandya confirmed on the toss that Topley would make his MI debut on this essential knockout sport.
“We needed to make one change. Reece comes instead of Gleeson who has a niggle. Reece Topley is available in,” Hardik mentioned.
Topley, acquired by MI for INR 75 lakh within the 2025 public sale, brings each worldwide pedigree and IPL expertise, having beforehand performed for RCB. Although that is his first look for Mumbai, Topley has 5 IPL matches and 5 wickets to his title, and his left-arm angle could possibly be very important in exploiting any early swing below the Ahmedabad lights. With Trent Boult additionally within the XI, MI’s new-ball assault out of the blue appears to be like potent, particularly in circumstances anticipated to help seamers.
Taking part in XI of MI and PBKS for IPL 2025 Qualifier 2
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (c), Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Reece Topley
Affect sub: Ashwani Kumar, KL Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minz, Bevon Jacobs
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
Affect sub: Prabhsimran Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Pravin Dubey
Additionally WATCH: Rohit Sharma leaves younger MI fan speechless with savage response forward of Qualifier 2 conflict in opposition to PBKS