IPL 2025: Rampaging MI Eye Top 3 as Struggling SRH Fight for Survival

As the Indian Premier League 2025 rolls into its second half, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad braces for a high-stakes clash between the struggling Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and an in-form Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 41 of the tournament.

The encounter comes at a pivotal moment for both franchises. Sunrisers Hyderabad find themselves languishing in ninth place on the points table with just two wins from seven matches. Their qualification hopes hang by a thread and another defeat could all but end their campaign. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have found late-season rhythm, climbing to sixth with four wins in eight matches, including a hat-trick of victories that has reignited their playoff push.

SRH’s woes have been multifaceted. After adopting an aggressive batting approach that nearly took them to the title last season, the team has struggled to replicate that form in 2025. The top order, led by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, has failed to fire consistently. Worse, when they do not fall early, they often consume too many deliveries without impact—a conservative style they had previously vowed to abandon. Heinrich Klaasen, once a dependable middle-order force, has yet to cross 35 this season, while Nitish Kumar Reddy’s dip in form—131 runs at an average of 21.33 and no contribution with the ball—has further compounded their problems.

SRH’s troubles are not limited to the bat. Their bowling has been toothless and expensive. Mohammed Shami is averaging a staggering 52.20, while skipper Pat Cummins has been largely ineffective with the ball, averaging 36. The spin department has fared even worse, taking the fewest wickets among all teams with the worst economy rate in the tournament.

In stark contrast, Mumbai Indians seem to have rediscovered their winning DNA. After a familiar slow start with only one win in five, the five-time champions have surged ahead with three successive wins, including an impressive comeback victory over the then-unbeaten Delhi Capitals. A win in Hyderabad could take them to third on the table—firmly within the playoff zone.

Much of Mumbai’s resurgence has been driven by their bowlers. Trent Boult has impressed with early swing and smart variations, while Jasprit Bumrah is returning to top form post-injury with impressive control and reverse swing, aided by the reintroduction of saliva. Mitchell Santner’s versatility with the ball has added crucial balance, offering both aggression and defense, depending on conditions. His spell against Delhi, including a jaffa to dismiss Karun Nair, exemplified his growing influence.

MI's batting numbers also reflect their upward trend. In the first four matches, their batters averaged 28.50 at a run rate of 8.60. That has since climbed to an average of 36.04 at a run rate of 10.25. Their middle-over scoring rate of 10.51 since April 7 is the highest among all teams.

SRH are expected to consider changes, with Abhinav Manohar or Atharva Taide potentially coming in to add depth to the faltering batting order. In the previous game, Rahul Chahar was introduced as an impact player depending on conditions. The management faces a tough task to inject momentum into a team short on form and confidence.

Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, are unlikely to tinker with their winning combination. They boast a well-balanced XI with seven recognized batters and as many bowling options, including part-timer Will Jacks and the ever-consistent Santner.

The surface in Hyderabad has been a haven for batters this season, with four scores in excess of 240 already recorded. It’s also the venue with the highest strike-rate and six-hitting frequency. Both teams are likely to prefer chasing under lights on a warm evening where temperatures are expected to touch 38°C.

As emotions run high, especially for Hyderabad-born Tilak Varma playing in front of his home crowd albeit in MI colours, fans can expect an intense and emotionally charged contest.

“It’s just a game but emotional playing at my home-ground. So I just want to do my basics right and do well for the team,” said Tilak Varma, underscoring the personal stakes amidst the bigger playoff battle.

With MI soaring and SRH slipping, Wednesday’s clash is poised to be a defining moment in IPL 2025. For Sunrisers, it’s now or never. For Mumbai, it's a chance to take another significant step toward playoff qualification.