The IPL 2025 action continues as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) host the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, on April 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST. This encounter promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams have contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far.

This will be an interesting game for the Mumbai-based franchise because of their qualification scenario. The five-time champions’ last game against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was highly successful as they won by nine wickets, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav’s audacious innings. 

Both batters scored a half-century, helping the team win the match. With that win, the Mumbai-based franchise has improved its chances of qualifying for the play-offs. Coming to SRH, they are stuck in the second-to-last position of the points table because of the poor performances throughout the tournament. In seven games, they have just won two. So, their chances of qualification are bleak.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) decided to take an aggressive approach to their batting strategy, playing with a “nothing to lose” mindset. While this approach led to polarizing opinions, it almost resulted in a title win during IPL 2024. Last season, they won five of their first seven matches. However, IPL 2025 has been a stark contrast, with SRH struggling to replicate their previous success.

Conversely, the Mumbai Indians (MI) find themselves in an advantageous position amidst this chaos. Historically, MI is known for slow starts to their IPL campaigns, only to gather momentum in the latter half of the season. This year, they had just one win in their first five matches, but three consecutive victories have catapulted them to sixth place in the standings. Interestingly, while MI began the season with three consecutive away losses, they showcased their resilience with a stunning comeback victory against Delhi Capitals—delivering the Capitals their first defeat of the season.

The resurgence of MI’s bowling unit has been pivotal. Trent Boult has excelled not only in swinging the new ball but also by skillfully deploying variations early in the innings. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, returning from injury, is quickly finding his rhythm and showcasing exceptional control. Unlike most bowlers, Bumrah’s recovery is characterized by efficiency and effectiveness—a testament to his extraordinary skill.

Adding to MI’s arsenal is the reemergence of reverse swing, aided by the use of saliva—a factor that could prove critical on the batting-friendly Hyderabad pitch. While Hyderabad is unlikely to offer bowlers the same assistance as the slower conditions at the Wankhede Stadium, MI’s experienced bowling lineup, guided by Hardik Pandya, has demonstrated adaptability. Their ability to read conditions and experiment with multiple strategies early in the game gives them a clear edge.

Introduction of Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins, will look to use their home ground of Hyderabad to get their season back on track. Sunrisers normally bat well but may lack consistency. Their batting (Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy) has the firepower to make explosions but may lack consistency. In their most recent match against MI on April 17, 2025, Sunrisers batted first to score 162/5, but MI chased it down.

Abhishek scored 40 runs, and Klaasen scored 37 runs, which was not enough. The bowling unit, led by Cummins, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, and Rahul Chahar, is capable of executing multiple changes, having the pace of Shami and the spin of Chahar. suited to the pitch’s evolving nature.

Probable Playing XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad

1. Travis Head
2. Abhishek Sharma
3. Ishan Kishan
4. Nitish Kumar Reddy
5. Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
6. Aniket Verma
7. Pat Cummins ©
8. Harshal Patel
9. Zeeshan Ansari
10. Mohammed Shami
11. Eshan Malinga
12. Rahul Chahar (Impact Player)

Introduction of the Mumbai Indians

MI (Hardik Pandya) is coming off a convincing win and will need to rely on their batting by Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya, supported by Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks in the batting order, and their bowling with Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult in the lead, with Deepak Chahar and Mitchell Santner holding down the fort. MI performed well chasing 163 against SRH in their last match on April 17, 2025, winning by 4 wickets in 18.1 overs with Will Jacks (36 off 26) taking the honors (2/14 with the ball).

MI will need their competitive position against SRH, including this victory of 14 wins in 24 matches and 5 out of 8 matches at Hyderabad, given that MI won it in their last match. The Mumbai Indians would also want to remind themselves of their pursuit role on batting-friendly tracks when chasing runs in the IPL, especially as they now have 4 wins in 8 games, to be able to put any similar team on the field to say, Well, win another match and make better results than simply a decent start.

Probable Playing XI of Mumbai Indians

1. Ryan Rickelton (wk)
2. Will Jacks
3. Suryakumar Yadav
4. Tilak Varma
5. Hardik Pandya ©
6. Naman Dhir
7. Mitchell Santner
8. Deepak Chahar
9. Trent Boult
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Ashwani Kumar
12. Rohit Sharma (Impact Player)

Key Players to Watch:

1. Abhishek Sharma: 

Abhishek Sharma has been SRH’s top scorer in the last two games including record-breaking 141-run knock against Punjab Kings. He will look to get another big knock in the upcoming game against MI.

2. Rohit Sharma: 

MI opener Rohit Sharma finally got his form back this season and ended up playing knock of 76* runs in the last game against MI. He will be looking to continue his great form against SRH.

3. Pat Cummins:

Skipper Pat Cummins can end up being the highest wicket taker for SRH in the upcoming match against MI. The right-arm pacer has taken seven wickets from seven matches so far this season.

4. Jasprit Bumrah: 

Star MI pacer Jasprit Bumrah can end up taking most wickets in the upcoming match against SRH. He is looking in great touch with his bowling and will look to bowl a match-winning spell.

Conclusion

SRH would like to put on an improved performance in all three departments of the game against MI and get back to winning ways. MI, on the other hand, would like to win the match against SRH and move a step closer to a place in the playoffs, along with registering another win in IPL 2025.

The game between SRH and MI is important, especially for the home team, SRH, with regard to the points table, as the former champions are in desperate need of a win, having won just two out of the seven games that the Pat Cummins-led side has played in the tournament so far.