 "Former PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan has backed MI to win IPL 2025. Image: AP")
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has made his pick for the winner of IPL 2025 and it’s not his ex-team Punjab Kings (PBKS). Just a day before the all-important Qualifier 2 between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, Dhawan openly backed MI to lift the trophy this season.
Dhawan snubs former team Punjab Kings
Speaking to India Today, Dhawan said he has been enjoying this year’s IPL and is impressed with how MI have played in the tournament. He praised their strong comeback and called them a “very balanced” side. MI started IPL 2025 with four losses in the first five matches but then won six on the trot to bounce back strongly.
“This time, the IPL has been very exciting. For the finals, my support will be with Mumbai Indians. The Mumbai Indians team is playing really well — they are very balanced. The way they’ve gained momentum is outstanding, and they are a very strong and well-balanced team. So, I’m with Mumbai Indians,” Dhawan said on Saturday.
Dhawan has been a vital part of the PBKS squad in the past, having captained the side for two seasons from 2022 to 2024. However, PBKS did not achieve the desired results under his captaincy and eventually decided to part ways with the cricketer. PBKS appointed Ricky Ponting as head coach and Shreyas Iyer as captain for IPL 2025 and managed to finish the league stage at the top of the table.
Can Punjab Kings break the jinx this year?
However, PBKS suffered a heavy loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 and are now set to face MI in Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. MI, on the other hand, will be high on confidence as they convincingly defeated the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator on Friday.
Punjab Kings are eyeing their maiden IPL trophy under the leadership of Iyer and Ponting, while Mumbai Indians are looking to secure a record-breaking sixth trophy. MI hold a slight edge over PBKS when it comes to the head-to-head record, with 17 wins against 15. The winner of this match will face RCB in the final on 3 June.