Former West Indies player Ian Bishop said Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard is not finished with his playing career but needs to reinvent his game. It looks like Pollard is running out of steam in IPL 2022 with his power to finish matches with a big-hitting spree has been curtailed.
The 35-year-old has amassed 144 runs in 11 innings at an average of 14.4 and a strike rate of 107.45. In the match against Gujarat Titans last Friday, Pollard was cleaned up by leg-spinner Rashid Khan. He made only four runs in 14 deliveries. Moreover, he failed to rise up to the occasion when MI needed 53 runs in the last three overs and was run out for 15 runs in 16 balls.
With Singapore-born batter Tim David's rise to prominence as a finisher for MI, pundits reckoned him to be the future of the franchise. Meanwhile, everyone called him curtains on Pollard's stint with the IPL giants.
However, Bishop believes Pollard has much to offer in the coming years. He also recounted those instances where the West Indies all-rounder single-handedly won matches for MI in the cash-rich league.
"Pollard himself has to reinvent his game": Ian Bishop
"Pollard himself has to reinvent his game, however, he chooses to do that, because he's still got a future ahead of him we hope. People are saying he's washed, I'm not going to go there. I think he's a player who can reinvent himself"
Ian Bishop told ESPNCricinfo
"Yeah, they (Mumbai Indians) are keeping faith and being loyal to a great player for them. We have to have long memories – when I say we, in the media; fans, some fans anyway, have short memories.
"You look at Pollard's numbers when Mumbai have won the championships: 400 runs <420> in 2013 at 42, up to 2019 and 2020, where he averaged over 30 with a strike rate sometimes in the 160s to 190s <156.74 in 2019, 191.42 in 2020> – he's been integral to them. You can't forget that as a franchise, so they're giving him every possible chance," he added.
In the middle of IPL 2022, Pollard announced his retirement from international cricket. He has played for almost 15 years in the West Indies colors.
Lowest strike rates of Kieron Pollard in an IPL season:
RCB and PBKS reaching the IPL 2025 Final has given us another set of teams for the 18th season who will face each other in this high-stakes match. Check out how IPL Finals since 2008 looked like.
Since the inaugural season of IPL in 2008, it has delivered unforgettable final encounters. From Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings competing for the title in the first season, to Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru gearing up to win their first in IPL 2025, we have come a long way.
Here's how IPL Finals since 2008 looked like with the teams being a part of it:
The Ultimate Chronicle: IPL Finals since 2008
Visual representation of IPL Finals since 2008 and its contenders. Image | sportzpoint.com
Take a look into the two teams emerging every season to fight for the IPL title since 2008-2005:
Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible playing XIs, and Fantasy Team Prediction of the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 match in IPL 2025.
Punjab Kings, who are trying to win their first title, will face a tough challenge from five-time champions Mumbai Indians in the Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings suffered a crushing defeat over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the first qualifier, which would have certainly shaken their confidence. While Mumbai Indians took another step towards their sixth title by defeating title favourites Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. The winner will confirm their fixture in the final of the tournament against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3.
Now, both PBKS and MI are set to play their last league match of the season. PBKS, who have qualified for playoffs after 11 years, finished ahead in the points table and get the top-two spot. On the other hand, the five-time champions MI also looked in dominant form in the later stage of the tournament and qualified for the playoffs despite having a poor start in the season.
From possible playing XIs to head-to-head record, here is everything you need to know about the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025.
Match Details
Match: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians
Tournament: IPL 2025, Qualifier 2
Date: 1 June 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Streaming Details
Cricket fans from India can watch the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 on Star Sports TV Channels on Television. They can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar for free.
Pitch Report
The surface of the Narendra Modi Stadium looks good for batting where we can expect a 200-plus total getting scored easily in the first innings. It also has a good bounce where the fast bowlers can get the movement. Out of 42 IPL matches played at this ground, the team batting first and bowling have won 21 matches each. The average score batting first at this ground in 176 runs.
Weather Report
The weather forecast for the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 is predominantly fine, with no rain anticipated to disrupt play on a hot and humid day. The wind speed is expected to be between 15 and 30 km/h on match day, while the temperature could range between 27 and 36 degrees Celsius. The humidity is predicted to be around 51-64%.
PBKS vs MI: Head-to-Head Record
Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians have faced each other 33 times in the IPL history so far. Out of these 33 matches, MI won 17 times while PBKS defeated them on 16 occasions.
Royal Challengers Bangalore reached the final by defeating Punjab Kings in the first qualifier of IPL 2025. Punjab Kings lost the qualifier but their chances of winning the title are not over.
The playoffs system was implemented for the first time in 2011, in which Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and Final match are played. If the team winning Qualifier 1 reaches the final, then the losing team gets another chance.
The team that wins the Eliminator plays against the team that loses Qualifier 1 and the team that wins this match plays the Final.
Do you know how many times the teams that lost the qualifiers have won the title? Let us take you through the history of the playoffs of the cash rich league.
How many times has the team that lost Qualifier 1 reached the final?
IPL 2024 runner-up team Sunrisers Hyderabad also made it to the finals by winning Qualifier-1 and then Qualifier-2. So far it has happened 11 times that the team that lost Qualifier-1 has reached the final. That is, it has won Qualifier-2. See which teams have reached the finals after losing Qualifier-1 in which season.
Which team won the IPL title after losing Qualifier 1?
Before Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians is the only team that has won the IPL trophy even after losing Qualifier 1. Out of 11 seasons, it has happened only twice that the team that lost the qualifier has won the title, while the remaining 9 times such teams have lost in the final.
2017:MI won the trophy by defeating RPS in the final.
2013:MI won the trophy by defeating CSK in the final
Punjab Kings can become the second IPL team to win the title after losing Qualifier 1. On the other hand, Bangalore has reached the IPL 2025 finals earlier also after winning Qualifier 1 but had to face defeat. The good news is that out of 14 times, the teams that won Qualifier 1 have won the title 11 times.
Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 Eliminator Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible playing XIs, and Fantasy Team Prediction of the Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians Eliminator match in IPL 2025.
The Eliminator match of IPL 2025 will be played between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Friday, May 30. The team that wins this match will play Qualifier-2 while the losing team will be out of the tournament.
Gujarat Titans were strong contenders for the number two position from the beginning, but the defeat in the last 2 matches spoiled their chances. After the initial defeat, Mumbai Indians were also riding on the winning chariot, but after losing 2 out of the last 3 matches of the league stage, Hardik Pandya and team had to settle for the fourth position. Now both these teams have to win 3 consecutive matches to win the title.
After defeating MI twice in the group stages earlier in the IPL 2025 season, GT will be confident to get the better of the five-time champions once again, to get themselves a step closer to winning their second title in four seasons.
For MI, it will be very important to bring their A game forward after not playing to their full potential against GT earlier in the tournament, and this could very well be the case due to the impressive track record in the knockout matches for the franchise.
From possible playing XIs to head-to-head record, here is everything you need to know about the Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians Eliminator in IPL 2025.
Match Details
Match: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians
Tournament: IPL 2025, Eliminator
Date: 30 May 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
Streaming Details
Cricket fans from India can watch the GT vs MI Eliminator on Star Sports TV Channels on Television. They can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar for free.
Pitch Report
The pitches at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur had something for batters and bowlers during the early stages of the IPL 2025, allowing for some compelling cricket for the fans. Over the years, the teams batting first have five matches, while teams batting second have won four matches in the league at this venue. The average first innings total here in the IPL is 170.
Weather Report
The weather report has forecasted rain in Chandigarh on the match day. However, there is no forecast of rain during the match time at night. As a result, rain is unlikely to play spoilsport during the GT vs MI clash. The temperature is set to hover in the early 30s during the match.
GT vs MI: Head-to-Head Record
Gujarat Titans have a proud 5-2 record in seven IPL matches over MI, with a few matches going down to the wire over the course of the last four seasons. Earlier in the IPL 2025, one of their fixtures, which was played in Mumbai, was decided on the last ball with the rain playing a role leading up to it, wherein GT held their nerve to get across the finishing line.
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Gerald Coetzee, R Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
After weeks of intense competition, rivalry battles, strategic gameplays and dedication, the top four teams of IPL 2025 have emerged. The league stage concluded with PBKS, RCB, GT and MI earning their place in top four of points table.
But how exactly did they manage to reach there? Let's dive into their IPL 2025 playoffs journey.
Here is how each team reached top four:
1. Punjab Kings (19 pts)
Priyansh Arya celebrating his half century against MI in their last league stage match of IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
Throughout the season of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings showcased magnificent balance and team coordination. Their campaign has been brilliant with 9 wins in 14 matches.
Under the phenomenal captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, PBKS made an extraordinary comeback by qualifying for the playoffs after 11 years. Not only just qualification, but also dominantly secured the top position in the points table.
PBKS qualification was confirmed with a decisive victory by 10 runs over Rajasthan Royals on May 18. However, it was their dominant 7-wicket win over MI (on May 26), that sealed their top 2 finish.
PBKS have done a great job at keeping their NRR high at all points in the tournament. They also secured a historical win against KKR by defending thelowest ever IPL total, and marked their place in the game.
Here's how their journey looked throughout the 14 league stage matches:
vs GT: won by 11 runs. (PBKS 243/5 vs GT 232/5)
vs LSG: won by 8 wickets. (LSG 171/7 vs PBKS 177/2)
vs RR: lost by 50 runs. (RR 205/4 vs PBKS 155/9)
vs CSK: won by 18 runs. (PBKS 219/6 vs CSK 201/5)
vs SRH: lost by 8 wickets. (PBKS 245/6 vs SRH 247/2)
vs KKR: won by 16 runs. (PBKS 111 vs KKR 95)
vs RCB: won by 5 wickets. (RCB 95/9 in 14 ovs vs PBKS 98/5 in 12.1 ovs - rain-affected 14-over game)
vs RCB: lost by 7 wickets. (PBKS 157/6 vs RCB 159/3)
vs KKR: No Result (Rain)
vs CSK: won by 4 wickets. (CSK 190 vs PBKS 194/6)
vs LSG: won by 37 runs. (PBKS 236/5 vs LSG 199/7)
vs RR: won by 10 runs. (PBKS 219/5 vs RR 209/7)
vs DC: lost by 6 wickets. (PBKS 206/8 vs DC 208/4)
vs MI: won by 7 wickets. (MI 184/7 vs PBKS 187/3)
Sealing a Q1 spot in style 🤌
Captain Shreyas Iyer adds the finishing flair as #PBKS defeat #MI in Jaipur ❤
Jitesh Sharma celebrating his match-winning knock of 85* (33 balls) against LSG in their last league match. Image | BBC
Royal Challengers Bengaluru had an amazing journey in their IPL 2025 campaign. They ended their nine-year wait for a top-two finish with 9 victories in 14 matches, narrowly behind PBKS on NRR.
RCB displayed remarkable consistency and key performances from players like Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, and others. The team no longer seemed to depend on a single player and came out strong with equal efforts from each one of them.
RCB faced major alterations and shift in captaincy in the tournament. Under the captaincy of Jitesh Sharma (stand-in captain in place of Rajat Patidar), they secured a huge victory against LSG to secure their top-two finish. They chased down 227 runs, with the skipper scoring 85* off 33 balls and leading from the front.
RCB's season in the league stage ended with an historic achievement of being the first team in IPL history to win all the away matches. They won 7 away matches this year.
Here's how their journey looked throughout the 14 league stage matches:
vs KKR: won by 7 wickets. (KKR 174/8, RCB
vs CSK: won by 50 runs. (RCB 196/7, CSK 146/8)
vs GT: lost by 8 wickets. (RCB 169/8, GT 170/2)
vs MI: won by 12 runs. (RCB 221/5, MI 209/9)
vs DC: lost by 6 wickets. (RCB 163/7, DC 169/4)
vs RR: won by 9 wickets. (RR 173/4, RCB 175/1)
vs PBKS: lost by 5 wickets. (RCB 95/9 in 14 ovs, PBKS 98/5 in 12.1 ovs - rain-affected)
vs PBKS: won by 7 wickets. (PBKS 157/6, RCB 159/3)
vs RR: won by 11 runs. (RCB 205/5, RR 194/9)
vs DC: won by 6 wickets. (DC 162/8, RCB 165/4)
vs CSK: won by 2 runs. (RCB 213/5, CSK 211/5)
vs KKR: Match Abandoned (No Result)
vs SRH: lost by 42 runs. (SRH 231/6, RCB 189)
vs LSG: won by 6 wickets. (LSG 227/3, RCB 230/4)
They are pumped up & HOW 🥳@RCBTweets enter the 🔝 2️⃣ with momentum led by their charismatic skipper Jitesh Sharma 🔥
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan during their partnership of 205* runs against DC in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
Gujarat Titans continued their strong presence by securing the 3rd place in IPL 2025 points table. They ended the league stage with 18 points (9 wins out of 14 matches).
The standout individual performances from captain Shubman Gill, and players like Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler are the reason behind GT's success. Sudharsan is currently at the top of Orange Cap leaderboard with 674 runs in 14 matches, followed by Gill (649 runs in 14 matches).
This team has also dominated other charts of seasonal awards like: Sudharshan in top of most 4s of the season list, Prasidh Krishna (23 wkts) in second place, and Sai Kishore (17 wkts) in Purple Cap leaderboard, and so on.
They were a strong contender for a top-two finish, but their consecutive losses in the last two league games took that away.
MI celebrating their win against DC which secured their playoffs berth in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
The five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, secured the 4th position in points table with 16 points (8 wins in 14 matches). After losing 4 out of first 5 games in the tournament, they made a surprising comeback this season and won seven of their subsequent eight matches.
Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, MI bounced back quickly with a complete new energy and mindset. They outperformed all their competition and secured their playoffs berth.
From having a disappointing start to becoming the comeback king of the season that every franchise feared, MI had a rollercoaster-like IPL 2025 season. They also have the best NRR (+1.142) among all the teams in points table.
Here's how their journey looked throughout the 14 league stage matches:
vs CSK: lost by 4 wickets. (MI: 155/9, CSK: 158/6)
vs GT: lost by 36 runs. (GT: 196/8, MI: 160/6)
vs KKR: won by 8 wickets. (KKR: 116, MI: 121/2)
vs LSG: lost by 12 runs. (LSG: 203/8, MI: 191/5)
vs RCB: lost by 12 runs. (RCB: 221/5, MI: 209/9)
vs DC: won by 12 runs. (DC: 193, MI: 205/5)
vs SRH: won by 4 wickets. (SRH: 162/5, MI: 166/6)
vs CSK: won by 9 wickets. (CSK: 176/5, MI: 177/1)
vs SRH: won by 7 wickets. (SRH: 143/8, MI: 146/3)
vs LSG: won by 54 runs. (MI: 215/7, LSG: 161)
vs RR: won by 100 runs. (RR: 117, MI: 217/2)
vs GT: lost by 3 wickets (D/L Method). (MI: 155/8, GT: 147/7)
vs DC: won by 59 runs. (MI: 180/5, DC: 121)
vs PBKS: lost by 7 wickets. (PBKS: 187/3, MI: 184/7)
Dominant victory ✅ Playoffs ✅
A dream outing for #MI in their last match at Wankhede this season as they secure a 59-run win over #DC 💙👏
Qualifier 1 loser vs Eliminator winner (venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad): The winning team will advance to Final. Losing side will be eliminated.
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