Despite the horrendous start to IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians (MI) staged a stunning comeback to make it to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 2 where they will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a coveted spot in the grand final as they are gunning for their sixth IPL title.
Mumbai Indians downed Gujarat Titans (GT) by 20 runs in the IPL 2025 Eliminator. MI delivered a dominant performance, posting a massive total of 228/5 after choosing to bat first. Although Sai Sudharsan (80) and Washington Sundar (48) threatened to take the game away from them during the chase, Hardik Pandya's team regained control, largely due to Jasprit Bumrah's crucial dismissal of Sundar.
Karn Sharma was playing really good, but suddenly, you've begun to completely ignore him: Murali Kartik on MI's tactical change
As the Mumbai Indians prepare to face PBKS, former India spinner Murali Kartik has raised questions about MI's bowling strategy. Kartik said that spinner Karn Sharma was a key performer for MI during the league stage. Despite playing only six matches, Karn Sharma was highly effective, taking seven wickets. This included a decisive 3/36 spell against the Delhi Capitals, which was instrumental in MI's comeback win and boosted their campaign. When asked about potential changes MI might make to their bowling attack before the match against Punjab, Kartik expressed his confusion over the sudden exclusion of Sharma from the playing XI.
“The way Richard Gleeson clutched his hamstring in the final over, you don't know if he's fit. You don't know whether you'd play him or not. Karn Sharma was playing really good, but suddenly, you've begun to completely ignore him. Santner was sitting on the sidelines when Karn was playing, but now it's the opposite. It's very difficult to call,” Kartik told Cricbuzz.
“They would want Deepak Chahar to be fit. They can get the old combination and old formula back. I know Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks aren't there, but Bairstow has performed. If Chahar comes back, they can have more belief,” Kartik further stated.
The upcoming match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians is a high-stakes encounter, as the winner will advance to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a blockbuster final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi stadium.