'Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma give us added fuel': Hardik Pandya as MI opt to field vs RCB

NEW DELHI: It was a moment of joy for Mumbai Indians fans even before the first delivery at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, as skipper Hardik Pandya revealed at the toss that both Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma were returning to the playing XI for the high-stakes IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Also See: MI vs RCB, IPL Live Score
“Jassi (Bumrah) is back and so is Ro (Rohit). Both of our experienced campaigners are back in the side, that gives us an added fuel,” Hardik said, choosing to bowl first after winning the toss.
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Bumrah’s return marks a major boost for Mumbai, as the ace pacer makes his comeback to professional cricket after a three-month injury layoff. He last featured in India’s fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, where he picked up 32 wickets across the series before being sidelined.

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene had earlier confirmed Bumrah’s readiness after he cleared all fitness protocols at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Hardik added, “This looks like a good track, dew might come in later. It’s time for us to get some rhythm, take smarter options and do the right things. We’re playing good cricket, but missing key moments. If we fix those, we’ll be in rhythm. Mumbai has always supported us - this is our fortress.”
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, leading an unchanged XI, said it was a “typical Mumbai wicket” and backed his bowlers to handle the challenge.

MI vs RCB Playing XIs:
Mumbai Indians XI: Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Vignesh Puthur
Royal Challengers Bengaluru XI: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal