One of the long-running themes in the IPL’s 18-season history is the Mumbai Indians’ tendency to hit top form only after the tournament enters May. 

In the early years, when the IPL typically began in April, MI would often start sluggishly—dropping a few games before finding their rhythm in the second month. While the tournament schedule has evolved over time, Mumbai's pattern of slow starts has stubbornly persisted. That trend continues in IPL 2025.

With just one win from their first four matches, the five-time champions are already teetering on the edge of danger. Historically, teams have needed a minimum of 16 points from their 14 league fixtures to stay in playoff contention. If Mumbai doesn't reverse course soon, their path to the knockouts could close rapidly.

Team News and Probable XIs

Mumbai Indians

There is a glimmer of hope for Mumbai with the return of two key names. Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma—who had a solid 30-minute net session on Sunday—are expected to rejoin the playing XI. That could mean Ashwani Kumar and Raj Bawa, both of whom had little impact in the last game against LSG, might be left out.

Probable XII:

1. Rohit Sharma

2. Ryan Rickelton (wk)

3. Will Jacks

4. Suryakumar Yadav

5. Tilak Varma

6. Hardik Pandya (capt)

7. Naman Dhir

8. Mitchell Santner

9. Deepak Chahar

10. Trent Boult

11. Jasprit Bumrah

12. Vignesh Puthur

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB, on the other hand, may head into the game with an unchanged lineup, although there’s one tactical decision pending. Virat Kohli missed training on the eve of the match but is expected to play. The only dilemma for RCB is whether to include an extra spinner. If they choose that route, Suyash Sharma or Swapnil Singh could replace Rasikh Salam.

Probable XII:

1. Phil Salt

2. Virat Kohli

3. Devdutt Padikkal

4. Rajat Patidar (capt)

5. Liam Livingstone

6. Jitesh Sharma (wk)

7. Krunal Pandya

8. Tim David

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

10. Josh Hazlewood

11. Yash Dayal

12. Rasikh Salam / Suyash Sharma