MI vs KKR Match Analysis

Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders will play each other in the Indian Premier League 2025 12th game on March 31, 2025, at 08:00 PM BST at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. 

Mumbai Indians are still looking for their first victory after consecutive defeats and will be keen to bounce back on their home turf. 

However, MI faces a tough challenge against Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champions, who defeated them twice last season. 

With momentum from their recent win, KKR will enter this match with confidence and a slight edge.

MI vs KKR Team Preview & Squads

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have had a tough start to the season, losing both their matches and currently sitting in ninth place on the points table. Their most recent defeat came against the Gujarat Titans, where they fell short in a 197-run chase, managing only 160-6 in Ahmedabad.

Despite their traditionally strong batting lineup, MI’s batting has yet to fire. Rohit Sharma is struggling for form with no clear signs of improvement, while Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have shown glimpses of promise but are yet to produce a match-defining inning.

Hardik Pandya, on the other hand, found it difficult to accelerate in the death overs against Gujarat, as slower cutters restricted his stroke play—an area he’ll need to adapt to moving forward.

On the bowling front, Mumbai appears more stable. Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult will be key in providing early breakthroughs, while Mitchell Santner and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are expected to control the middle overs while chipping in with wickets.

MI might also consider a change in their lineup, potentially replacing Satyanarayana Raju—who impressed with a 3-32 on debut—with young left-arm wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur, depending on pitch conditions.

Mumbai Indians Squads

Mumbai Indians Squads

Bevon Jacobs, Robin Minz, Naman Dhir, Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, Krishnan Shrijith, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Tilak Varma, Ashwani Kumar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Vignesh Puthur, Satyanarayana Raju, Karn Sharma, Arjun Tendulkar, Reece Topley, AM Ghazanfar, Lizaad Williams  

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders rebounded strongly from their opening defeat against RCB with a commanding 8-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals. On a slow surface in Guwahati, they restricted Rajasthan to a modest 151-9 and chased it down comfortably in 17.3 overs, thanks to Quinton de Kock’s brilliant unbeaten 97 off 61 balls.

De Kock’s return to form is a huge advantage for KKR. He can dominate bowling attacks at the top while also anchoring the innings deep. His familiarity with Wankhede, where he averages 34 after years of playing for MI, could work in his favor.

Ajinkya Rahane’s experience at this venue makes him another key player, as he has accumulated plenty of runs here over the years.

KKR’s batting unit looks strong with options like Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh. Additionally, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who is likely to feature as an Impact Player, has already made an impression and could play a crucial role in upcoming matches.

Sunil Narine, who missed the previous game due to illness, is back in the squad and will be a vital asset with both bat and ball. Meanwhile, Varun Chakaravarthy’s consistent form since the Champions Trophy makes him another key weapon in KKR’s arsenal.

In the pace attack, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, and Harshit Rana may not be among the biggest names in the tournament, but they have already shown they can step up and make an impact when needed.

Kolkata Knight Riders Squads 

Kolkata Knight Riders Squads

Ajinkya Rahane, Quinton de Kock, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Luvnith Sisodia, Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Andre Russell, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Mayank Markande, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Varun Chakravarthy, Umran Malik 

Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders outfield report 

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

At Wankhede, it’s usually safer to bat first. The side batting first won four of the seven IPL 2024 matches played at the location.

Mumbai’s weather is expected to be warm and very humid, with no chance of rain. 

There are always ample of runs available on the flat deck pitch at Wankhede Stadium.

Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 5 matches, KKR won 4 games, and MI won 1. 

Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that the Kolkata Knight Riders have a 51% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.