‘SHOOTOUT’ IN AHMEDABAD: Mighty Mumbai Indians take on spirited Punjab Kings for a spot in IPL final

Action in the Indian Premier League 2025 returns to the historic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (June 1). As the IPL caravan crisscrossed through several states and stages, the time has come for the shootout. Mumbai Indians, high on confidence after their famous win over Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur near Chandigarh, on Friday night, have again become talk of the town. When they take on Punjab Kings tonight, action should be riveting.

Indeed, the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium is a massive one and designed well for the last two matches in the IPL, the shootout tonight and the final on June 3, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru await their opponents. First things first, the contest between Hardik Pandya’s side and Shreyas Iyer’s enthusiastic bunch.

Shreyas came into this edition of the IPL as winning captain of Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. That he did not get due credit from the team management saw him migrate to Punjab Kings, where Bollywood queen Preity Zinta herself was more than ready to embrace Shreyas. He is a proven batter and captain, though he does not get credit or reward for performing consistently from the BCCI. He has been perpetual underdog. Even on Sunday night, Shreyas’s side is not supposed to beat mighty Mumbai Indians.

If you flip through the IPL records since inception in 2008, MI have done very well, barring the last few seasons. They have great credentials and with massive brand value and funds at their disposal, they can ‘buy’ any player/coach. The performance of MI in IPL 2025 was roller coaster in the first part, before settling down. In terms of star players and big performers, one look at the MI squad, they have ‘Dada’ players to deliver.

What will add spice to the contest, Hardik Pandya, the former Gujarat Titans skipper, is well aware of the Narendra Modi Stadium ambience and energy. One should not be surprised if fans turn up, they support MI, since Hardik is not the only factor. Rock star of fast bowling, Jasprit Bumrah hails from Ahmedabad. His popularity is massive, as was evident earlier this year at a packed concert from Coldplay at the same venue, where one song was for dude Jassi.

For sure, Punjab Kings have played exceedingly well this season. If there have been blips, it is but natural. The format of the IPL is demanding and to sustain form for almost two months is impossible. Now comes the Sunday shootout, win and make the final, or fly away to respective bases after a good season. Punjab Kings have never won the IPL, so there is no pressure. If anything, Shreyas and coach Ricky Ponting would love to have the services of wily Yuzi Chahal, out with an injury, since mid-May. He was seen at nets on Saturday and tested to the hilt. If Yuzi can be brought on, it will be interesting. For sheer experience and zing, he can be a potent trump card.

A bit on Mumbai Indians as well. Last year, when Hardik Pandya had taken over as captain, there was turmoil. Fans were angry and started hating him, as they felt Rohit Sharma was the right leader. It was only later, they accepted Hardik, the maverick star of Indian cricket. To be handling a side packed with so many big names like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Bumrah, Hardik has shown maturity as captain. And, now, with Jonny Bairstow there as opener, Hardik has the arsenal.

It’s going to be a shootout tonight in Ahmedabad.