The Mumbai Indians (MI), the most successful team in IPL history, are gearing up for redemption after a dismal 2024 season. Finishing at the bottom of the points table with just 8 points, the franchise faced heavy criticism for its performances and captaincy shuffle. However, the IPL 2025 mega auction has offered a fresh start, and team owner Akash Ambani believes the revamped squad is ready to bring MI back to its winning ways.
A New Beginning with a Balanced Squad
Speaking after the auction, Akash Ambani expressed satisfaction with the team’s strategic picks. “Very happy at this position because we have got our playing 12 locked in now. Happy with all the players we have gotten till now,” Ambani said.
The 2025 auction saw MI acquiring 14 players, including key names like Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, and Will Jacks. The franchise also brought in young talents like Robin Minz, Raj Angad Bawa, and Naman Dhir, using the Right to Match (RTM) card. With these additions, MI now boasts a total of 19 players, forming what Ambani calls a “perfectly balanced squad.”
Balancing Legacy and Future
Releasing some iconic players was a tough decision for the franchise. MI had to let go of Ishan Kishan and several other stars, a move that was met with disappointment from fans. Ambani acknowledged the emotional difficulty of these decisions, saying, “Of course, disappointed to lose so many ex-Mumbai Indians players. The last three years, we’ve thought a lot about what’s the balance that we truly need to get back to winning ways.”
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While parting ways with former MI stars, the team prioritized skills and strategy to adapt to the evolving T20 game. “You had to balance the emotional aspect of buying players and the skills required in this new T20 game,” Ambani explained, emphasizing the need for a forward-looking approach.
Retaining Core Strength
Before the auction, MI retained a strong core, including Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Tilak Varma. These players bring leadership, experience, and consistency, forming the backbone of the squad. Despite criticism of Hardik Pandya’s captaincy during the 2024 season, the team has shown faith in his leadership.
With the squad now in place, the focus shifts to execution. “Very, very disappointed to miss out on a lot of ex-MI players who have given us a lot of success, all the best to all of them for their new franchises, but also happy with what we have achieved at MI,” Ambani concluded.
Mumbai Indians fans will be eagerly awaiting the team’s performance in the upcoming season. With a balanced squad, young talent, and experienced leaders, MI seems poised to reclaim their dominance in the IPL. Will this revamped team deliver the results Akash Ambani envisions? Only time will tell.
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