IPL 2025 | MI holds the edge as PBKS looks to bounce back from the Qualifier 1 devastation

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer throughout a follow session forward of the TATA IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 in opposition to Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
| Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI

In the few days which have handed since Punjab Kings eased previous Mumbai Indians in an IPL league stage encounter, the two groups have taken wildly divergent paths. 

PBKS has since slumped to a devastating eight-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Qualifier 1, whereas MI posted an impressed victory over Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. 

When PBKS and MI meet as soon as once more in the Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium right here on Sunday, it’s the latter which holds the edge. 

MI will probably be mighty happy to see Rohit Sharma going nice weapons. The skilled star put MI on the proper monitor with a classic 81 in opposition to GT on Friday, albeit aided by a few catch reprieves. 

Jonny Bairstow neatly stuffed the second opener spot left vacant by Ryan Rickelton. With a 22-ball 47, Bairstow hit the floor working. 

PBKS will probably be cautious of MI’s batting depth. Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya and Naman Dhir pack explosive energy, and if the PBKS bowlers have an off day, an enormous rating is on the playing cards. 

On the bowling entrance, MI has the final cheat code in Jasprit Bumrah. The pacer can flip a match on a dime, as he did on Friday with a peach to dismiss Washington Sundar. 

PBKS wants to rapidly make amends for a horror present in opposition to RCB. The batting unit inexplicably froze and was bundled out for 101. 

Captain Shreyas Iyer will probably be eager to take the lead and present the approach. PBKS does bat deep, even when the latest collapse raises considerations about the facet’s championship pedigree. 

The likes of Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh want to clear the thoughts of all negativity and play their pure attacking recreation. 

In the seven fixtures performed right here this season, solely as soon as has the staff batting first failed to breach the 200-run mark. An entertaining run feast is on the playing cards.