Big Setback to Mumbai, Gujarat and Punjab in the IPL 2025 Playoffs
IPL 2025 was set to resume after the unfavourable circumstances and tensions along the India-Pakistan border. At one point, it looked like the tournament might be slightly pushed to the September window of the year. However, the tension seems to ease at the border, resulting in the resumption of the tournament. Many overseas players may return to their respective countries due to national duties. Whereas, some are expected to return and join the squad.
Let’s analyze the Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Punjab Kings IPL 2025 updated Squads to understand why they might face setbacks:
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans ended in the 3rd position of the points table with 9 wins out of the 14 matches in IPL 2025. GT might suffer the most as one of their top 3 is to depart following the war. Buttler is set to return, giving a dent to the franchise. GT named Kushal Mendis as the replacement for Buttler. Buttler was in sublime form this season with over 500 runs. Mendis is a good replacement, but time will show if he’s a like-for-like replacement. Gujarat Titans must reframe their strategy and look into their setup for a balanced playing 11. Buttler will be a major miss, considering his ability to take the game away from the opposition in no time.
GT has been playing exceptionally well, and a lot of credit goes to Buttler for managing the middle order and taking the team over the line. Mendis has a big role to play, and it will be an uphill task. Also, Gujarat will not have Kagiso Rabada’s services, and in his place, Gerald Coetzee will be available to fill the gap. Coeztee can also provide support as a batter. Apart from these two, the Gujarat Titans would be unchanged, considering no injury concerns.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings qualified for the IPL 2025 playoffs for the first time in 10 years. The new leadership of Iyer and Ponting has turned the tide for them this season. Kyle Jamieson has replaced Lockie Ferguson, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. As per the reports, it is speculated that Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis may miss out for the remainder of the tournament. But as of now, they will all be available, and only Marco Jansen has left the Punjab Kings setup for the upcoming WTC 2025 final preparation.
But it is also rumoured that the trio may return after consulting Ricky Ponting. If these three players miss out, PBKS will suffer the most after GT. The aggressive middle order will miss the service of Inglis, who can easily tear the bowlers apart. PBKS and Iyer have a lot to prove this season and wouldn’t want to miss out on a chance.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have roped in Johnny Bairstow as their replacement for Will Jacks in IPL 2025. MI made a tremendous comeback after their initial failure in the tournament. Jack’s who was supposed to be threatening with the bat, but had great fun with the ball, especially against the left-handers. To fill that gap, Mumbai roped in Charith Asalanka as his replacement.
Along with Jacks, Corbin Bosch and Ryan Rickelton have left for the national duties. MI wouldn’t mind a temporary replacement like Jonny Bairstow. Along with Rohit, Bairstow can give an aggressive start and take the game away in the initial overs. The change may even do wonders for MI, as Bairstow is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball. His aggressive style of play has led England to victory on many occasions. The management and the fans across will welcome his arrival. MI made a strategic decision and slotted Richard Gleeson as Corbin’s replacement to strengthen their all-rounder and bowling department.
These are final updates for the IPL 2025. It will be interesting to see which player does wonders for the team and helps them get their hands on the trophy.
