3 possible opening pairs for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025

Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. (Photo Source – Twitter/X)

Mumbai Indians have been one of the most dominant entities in the Indian Premier League. They won their first title in 2013, and have been one of the most consistent sides in the marquee T20 league since then. A major reason of their prominence and success has been their robust batting lineup over the years. Even currently, they possess members who are capable of disintegrating any bowling attack in the league.

Openers hold a lot of significance across all formats of cricket. The 20-over format is the one mode where opening batters are more important than any of the rest. After all, they are the ones who are tasked with the responsibility of capitalising during the powerplay stage; irrespective of batting first or chasing a target.

The mega auction in November of last year was quite a fruitful one for MI ahead of IPL 2025. MI invested in some promising youngsters after retaining their core. Having served the franchise for seven seasons on the trot, Ishan Kishan was not in the plans of the management. He made his way out, getting acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad; hence, making for a few combinations that could be tested with former skipper, Rohit Sharma.

Also Read: 3 possible opening pairs for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025

Here are the three possible opening pairs for MI (Mumbai Indians):

3. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton

Although Rohit Sharma is not coming off the best of form in terms of his time with the bat in international cricket of late, one cannot undermine his prowess in the 20-over format and particularly the IPL. He has been one of the most potent opening batters in the history of the marquee T20 league. The five-time winning skipper has amassed 2,748 runs in 102 innings while striking at 131.67.

Teaming up with Rohit could quite possibly be the explosive Ryan Rickelton. The explosive southpaw was acquired by MI for INR 1 crore. South Africa might have just entered the international arena as a full-time opener. However, his stats are quite impressive. His blistering exuberance has been on display while representing MI Cape Town in the SA20 since the past three years.

2. Rohit Sharma and Will Jacks

Another opening pair that MI could play is Rohit collaborating with Will Jacks at the top of the order. Unlike Rickelton, Jacks has a year of experience in the IPL. He was previously associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jacks scored 230 runs for RCB in IPL 2024. Barring the destructive unbeaten century, there was not much to show for the 26-year-old last season.

The duo of Rohit and Jacks could heat proceedings for the opposition. Both of them are quite well-renowned for their attacking belligerence. If Rohit and Jacks press the accelerator early, it could turn into a torrid time for any of the nine oppositions in the league.

1. Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton

This particular combination seems quite unlikely to materialise for the joint-most successful franchise of the tournament. However, Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton have enough firepower in their batting to provide some scorching starts in the powerplay.

Either of Jacks or Rickelton could be a handy replacement for Rohit up top in the case of the former MI skipper getting injured or being sidelined for a few matches. The right-hand-left-hand combination is an additional bonus.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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