The 33rd match of IPL 2025 brings with it high stakes, fierce matchups, and a shot at history. On April 17, two IPL giants—Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)—will battle it out at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This clash doesn’t just mark the midpoint of the season—it could potentially define the trajectory of both teams as they seek consistency and a playoff spot.
Let’s break down all the action in this comprehensive preview.
Contents
🟠 Team Overview
Both MI and SRH are former IPL champions who find themselves tied at 4 points from 6 matches, separated only by Net Run Rate. Their seasons so far have been patchy, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency.
Mumbai Indians: Known for their powerhouse lineup and calm under pressure, MI have lacked cohesion, particularly at the start of their innings. They’ve yet to find a stable opening partnership and have relied heavily on their middle-order.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH’s explosive top-order has put them on the brink of history—most notably with a near-300 total (286/6) this season. But their bowling attack, especially in the powerplay, has been leaky, and that imbalance has cost them games.
🤝 Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry between MI and SRH has been close over the years. Out of their last five matches, Mumbai Indians have won 3, while Sunrisers Hyderabad have taken 2. Notably, it was against MI that SRH began showcasing their aggressive new brand of cricket last year—a style that took them to the IPL 2024 final.
🏟️ Pitch and Weather Conditions
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Pitch: Traditionally a batting paradise with short boundaries and consistent bounce. However, in recent games, teams batting first have won 5 of the last 9.
Dew Factor: Dew may come into play in the second innings, often aiding the chasing side.
Weather: Clear skies are forecast, with pleasant Mumbai evening temperatures around 29°C.
📉 Form Guide
Mumbai Indians: W L L W L
Sunrisers Hyderabad: W L L L L
SRH recently broke a four-match losing streak by chasing down a massive 246 against Punjab Kings, while MI continues to flip-flop in their performances.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
🟦 Mumbai Indians
Suryakumar Yadav – The most reliable MI batter so far, with a blazing strike rate of 169.11.
Jasprit Bumrah – The pace spearhead and death-over specialist. He’s four wickets away from 300 T20 wickets.
Rohit Sharma – Experienced campaigner who can anchor or accelerate as needed.
🟧 Sunrisers Hyderabad
Travis Head – Has already smashed 332 runs this season at a remarkable SR of 186.51.
Abhishek Sharma – MI’s bowlers will be wary of his strike rate of 210, which can take the game away within a few overs.
Ishan Kishan – Facing his former team, he’ll be eager to deliver a statement performance.
🎯 In the Spotlight
🔦 Trent Boult (MI)
The Kiwi left-arm pacer is known for his powerplay impact but has managed just 2 wickets in 6 matches this season, both coming at Wankhede. His economy has risen to 9.1 (up from 7 in 2024), and his powerplay strike rate has worsened. He’ll need to rediscover his form quickly to contain SRH’s aggressive openers.
🔦 Ishan Kishan (SRH)
After being released by MI and picked up by SRH for ₹11.25 crore, Kishan will have a point to prove. Though he started strong, three single-digit scores have raised questions. SRH coach Daniel Vettori remains confident: “He’s still the batsman who scored that hundred in the first game.”
📊 Key Stats
SRH have the worst powerplay economy in IPL 2025.
MI’s opening stand average is only 22.16, highlighting a weak start.
Mohammed Shami vs Rohit Sharma: 3 dismissals for just 65 runs in 58 balls.
Hardik Pandya vs Shami: 3 dismissals but an explosive strike rate of 180.
Jasprit Bumrah vs Abhishek Sharma: 2 wickets for just 10 runs in 17 IPL balls.
Also Read: 32th Match (N), Delhi, IPL T20 2025 Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals – Match Preview
📋 Squads
Mumbai Indians (Probable XII):
Rohit Sharma
Ryan Rickelton (wk)
Suryakumar Yadav
Tilak Varma
Hardik Pandya (c)
Naman Dhir
Will Jacks / Corbin Bosch
Mitchell Santner
Deepak Chahar
Trent Boult
Jasprit Bumrah
Karn Sharma / Vignesh Puthur
Sunrisers Hyderabad (Probable XII):
Travis Head
Abhishek Sharma
Ishan Kishan
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
Aniket Verma
Abhinav Manohar
Pat Cummins (c)
Harshal Patel
Mohammed Shami
Zeeshan Ansari
Eshan Malinga / Wiaan Mulder
🔮 Match Prediction
This match is expected to be high-scoring and could come down to which team handles pressure better in the final overs. SRH’s top-order firepower could give them the edge, especially if they bat first and set a big total. But MI have the bowling tools to counter that—Bumrah, Chahar, and Boult could play spoilsport.
Prediction: Slight edge to SRH, unless MI’s top order finally clicks.
✅ Conclusion
With playoff pressure mounting and form on the line, Match 33 is more than just two teams battling for points—it’s about momentum, redemption, and maybe even making IPL history. Will Dale Steyn’s prediction of a 300+ total come true at Wankhede? Will Ishan Kishan haunt his old team? Or will MI’s experience trump SRH’s youthful flair?
Whatever happens, April 17 promises IPL drama at its absolute best.
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