IPL 2025: Bumrah and Rohit Make Comeback as MI Choose to Bowl First Against RCB
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Synopsis
Jasprit Bumrah returns from injury as Mumbai Indians opt to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 at Wankhede Stadium. Captain Hardik Pandya explains the decision, while RCB's Rajat Patidar shares confidence in their bowling strategy. The match marks a key opportunity for RCB to break their losing streak against MI at this venue.
Key Takeaways
- Jasprit Bumrah's return bolsters MI's bowling attack.
- Rohit Sharma also makes a comeback after injury.
- MI has lost three of their last four matches.
- Pandya emphasizes the importance of home advantage.
- RCB seeks to end a long-standing losing streak at Wankhede.
Mumbai, April 7 (NationPress) Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah made his comeback after a lengthy injury break as Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an IPL 2025 match at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
Bumrah had been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation due to a lower back injury sustained during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Sydney. Rohit Sharma also returned after missing the last match against Lucknow Super Giants because of a knee injury. Their presence certainly gives MI the much-needed energy boost after suffering three defeats in four matches.
The Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya disclosed that he opted to bowl first as the pitch appeared favorable, and he anticipated dew could play a factor as the game progressed.
"When the wicket is good, it stays good, and with dew, it could improve further," stated Pandya, who acknowledged that they are lacking in certain areas at crucial moments. He expressed confidence that playing at home provides a great opportunity to showcase quality cricket and entertain the fans.
On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar mentioned he would have preferred to chase on this pitch. However, he believed it would not significantly affect the game and was confident the pitch would remain favorable for batsmen throughout.
"Our focus is on playing quality cricket rather than fixating on the points table right now," said Patidar, emphasizing his confidence in the bowling lineup.
It’s worth noting that RCB has not triumphed against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium since 2015. With both teams facing off only once this season, this match presents a solitary chance for RCB to rectify their record.
Playing XIs:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Impact substitutes: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar, Swastik Chikara, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh
Mumbai Indians: Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Vignesh Puthur
Impact substitutes: Rohit Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz
