Mumbai Indians (MI), who claimed their most recent IPL title in 2020, have faced challenges with injuries and a lack of consistent match-winners over the past four seasons. They have only made it to the playoffs once in that span and endured bottom-place finishes in IPL 2024 and 2022.
In contrast, their rivals, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), have enjoyed greater success, securing two additional titles in 2021 and 2023, and narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024 due to net run rate.
PL 2025 season, MI made strategic moves at the mega auction by acquiring key players who have been integral to CSK’s success in recent years. The team added three former Super Kings players to their squad, aiming to bolster their lineup for the upcoming season.
3 former CSK players who will represent MI in IPL 2025:
Deepak Chahar
Pace-bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar, who was a key player for Chennai Super Kings from 2018 to 2024, contributing to their three IPL titles during this period, has been acquired by Mumbai Indians for INR 9.25 crores. Over his IPL career of 81 matches, Chahar has taken 77 wickets, with 58 coming during the powerplay overs. Although CSK also bid for him, they eventually pulled out. Mumbai’s plan is to pair Chahar with Trent Boult in the powerplay, allowing captain Hardik Pandya to manage Bumrah’s overs for the latter stages of the game.
Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner, who has been with Chennai Super Kings since 2018, will now play for Mumbai Indians after being bought at his base price of INR 2 crores. With the presence of Ravindra Jadeja, Santner was not a regular in CSK’s playing XI, but he made the most of his opportunities. In 18 IPL games, he took 15 wickets at a controlled economy rate of 6.91. Mumbai struggled with their spin attack in recent seasons, and Santner’s addition will strengthen that department with his ability to keep the run rate in check.
Karn Sharma
Leg-spinner Karn Sharma, who has won IPL titles with both Chennai Super Kings (2018, 2021) and Mumbai Indians (2017), will be returning to Mumbai after spending the last two seasons with RCB. He was bought for INR 50 lakhs at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Over 84 IPL matches, Karn has taken 76 wickets, and his experience will add depth to Mumbai’s bowling attack in the upcoming season.