The Optimal Blend: Hardik Pandya's Candid Assessment of Mumbai Indians' Squad for IPL 2025

New Delhi: After the conclusion of the IPL mega auction held in Jeddah, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya expressed his enthusiasm for the team's new roster, emphasizing the successful acquisition of the "right mix" of players. The talented all-rounder praised the franchise's strategic approach of blending youth and experience. In a video shared by MI on social media, Pandya revealed, "I closely monitored the auction proceedings and was well-informed about our objectives. I am confident that we have made some great choices, and the team looks very promising."

“We have found the right mix, which is experienced players, like Boulty (Trent Boult) is back, Deepak Chahar, who has been around, and at the same time, young guns like Will Jacks, Robin Minz and Rickelton, who are fresh.

“So, I think we have done pretty well. We have covered all the bases.” Explaining the auction dynamics, Pandya admitted that while the entire process is thrilling, it is important to keep the emotions in check, especially while going for a particular player the team desperately needs.

“The auction dynamics are always tricky. When you are watching it live, it is very exciting, and the emotions are always up and down because you want this player,” he explained.

“But sometimes, you just lose. (So), it’s very important to not be very so emotional, and in the end, we have to create a whole team.” ‘

Mumbai Indians secured several uncapped young talents in the auction, including Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Vignesh Puthur, Arjun Tendulkar, Bevan John Jacobs, Venkata Satyanarayana Penmetsa, Raj Angad Bawa, Shrijith Krishnan, and Ashwani Kumar.

Highlighting the potential of these young players, Hardik Pandya encouraged them to work hard and assured that Mumbai Indians offer the best facilities to support their growth into world-class cricketers.

“My message to all the young guns who are joining Mumbai Indians this year is that if you are here, you have that spark, you have that talent, which the scouts have seen,” he stated.

“They found me, they found Jasprit, they found Krunal, they found Tilak. They all eventually played for the country.

“All you have to do is show up, train, work hard, and the best part is that Mumbai Indians has the facility to make them flourish.”