'We have put together a well-balanced team' - Skipper Hardik Pandya opines on MI's squad for IPL 2025

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are looking forward to the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a new mindset. MI has suffered a rough patch over the past few seasons, qualifying for the playoffs only once in the last four editions. The captaincy change from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya last season created displeasure among fans, but the franchise is now determined to end their trophy drought.

In the IPL 2025 mega-auction, MI has successfully put together a formidable squad. Their main focus during the bidding event was strengthening their bowling attack, given the batter-friendly wicket of Wankhede Stadium. In doing so, they secured Trent Boult, reuniting him with Jasprit Bumrah to form one of the challenging fast-bowling duos. To further boost their pace department, they brought in Deepak Chahar.

The spin department sees the acquisitions of Mitchell Santner and Karn Sharma, while overseas batters Will Jacks, Bevon Jacobs, and Ryan Rickelton will add depth to their lineup. Furthermore, MI’s scouting team once recruited domestic players such as Robin Minz, Vignesh Puthur, and Raj Bawa. Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, captain Hardik Pandya expressed confidence in the team’s composition and reflected on the auction strategy.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya as captain in opener

"The players we picked—especially the experienced ones—were always part of our plan. We had a clear idea of what we were looking for. This year, our primary objective was to build a strong bowling attack, considering that Wankhede is a challenging venue. Playing in the IPL in Mumbai, particularly at Wankhede, can be intimidating due to the high-scoring nature of the pitch. We wanted bowlers with experience, pace, and the ability to generate swing and bounce. I believe we have put together a well-balanced team, one that meets all our requirements from top to bottom. Now it’s about turning up and delivering on the field," he said exclusively on Superstars on JioHotstar.

The key is to remain balanced: Hardik Pandya

While the squad looks strong on paper, the side will have to begin their campaign without their skipper. Pandya will miss the season opener against Chennai Super Kings due to a one-match suspension for a slow over-rate offense during IPL 2024. There are also concerns regarding pacer Bumrah’s fitness, and he is set to miss the first few games. Speaking about the young talents in MI’s squad, the all-rounder mentioned the importance of self-belief

"The young players coming into the IPL are extremely talented. My message to them is simple—believe in yourself. They are here because they are good enough, but the biggest challenge at this stage is self-doubt. Sometimes, players start questioning whether they belong at this level, and that doubt can take away from their skill set. Managing that mental aspect is crucial. What I can offer them are the lessons I have learned over the years. In this game, there will be highs and lows. The key is to remain balanced, not just for one season but throughout their careers. Staying neutral will allow them to maximize opportunities and seize crucial moments. They will face tough tests, but sometimes all they need is a little patience. In terms of skill set, they are far ahead of where we were at 21 or 22. Their talent and fearless approach are already there—it’s just about reinforcing their belief in themselves," he added.