IPL 2025: MI vs KKR Match 12 - Key Players Who Could Make a Difference

The 12th match of IPL 2025 is set to bring an electrifying showdown between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. With the league progressing, every game counts, and both teams are eager to climb the points table.

Mumbai Indians are under pressure, having lost both their matches so far, leaving them at the bottom of the standings. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, have managed one win in their two matches and currently sit in sixth place. MI will be desperate to secure their first win at home, while KKR will be looking to strengthen their position with another victory.

One of the most exciting aspects of this clash will be the performance of key players who can influence the game’s outcome. Let’s take a look at the potential game-changers from both sides.

Match Details

  • Fixture: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders
  • Date: 31st March 2025
  • Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
  • Time: 07:30 PM
  • Current Standings: Mumbai Indians: 0 wins in 2 matches (Last place) And Kolkata Knight Riders: 1 win in 2 matches (6th place)

With MI seeking redemption and KKR aiming to capitalize on their momentum, this match is expected to be a high-intensity encounter.

Key Players to Watch - Mumbai Indians

For MI to secure their first win, certain players need to step up. Here are the ones to keep an eye on:

1. Will Jacks

  • Role: All-rounder (Right-hand batter, Off-spin bowler)
  • Strengths: Explosive batting, handy spin bowling
  • Potential Impact: Can provide quick runs in the powerplay and stabilize the innings if early wickets fall. His off-spin could prove useful against left-handed batters in the opposition. A strong showing with both bat and ball could turn the tide in MI’s favor.

2. Corbin Bosch

  • Role: Fast-medium bowler
  • Strengths: Consistent pace, ability to extract bounce
  • Potential Impact: Can put KKR’s batters under pressure with his pace and movement. Could be MI’s go-to bowler in the death overs to contain the scoring. His recent inclusion adds fresh energy to MI’s bowling lineup.

3. Raj Bawa

  • Role: All-rounder (Left-hand batter, Medium-fast bowler)
  • Strengths: : Aggressive batting, disciplined bowling
  • Potential Impact: Inspired by Yuvraj Singh, he brings a fearless approach to batting. Can deliver crucial overs with the ball, providing flexibility to MI’s attack. His ability to play impactful cameos can be a game-changer.

4. Karn Sharma

  • Role: Leg-spinner
  • Strengths: Wicket-taking ability, vast IPL experience
  • Potential Impact: Knows the Wankhede conditions well and can exploit them effectively. Could be instrumental in breaking partnerships during the middle overs. Has played for MI before and understands the team’s dynamics.

Key Players to Watch - Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR will be looking to maintain their winning momentum, and these players could play crucial roles in their success:

1. Manish Pandey

  • Role: Middle-order batter
  • Strengths: Experience, ability to stabilize innings
  • Potential Impact: o Can play a steadying role if early wickets fall. His experience helps him handle high-pressure situations effectively. Could provide a much-needed balance to KKR’s batting lineup.

2. Anrich Nortje

  • Role: Fast bowler
  • Strengths: Raw pace, ability to bowl lethal yorkers
  • Potential Impact: o Can trouble MI’s batters with his express pace, especially in the powerplay. Has the ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs at key moments. With 60 IPL wickets to his name, he is a force to reckon with.

3. Angkrish Raghuvanshi

  • Role: Top-order batter
  • Strengths: Aggressive batting, ability to score at a brisk rate
  • Potential Impact: o Has a striking rate of 149.31 in IPL, making him a dangerous batter at the top. If he gets going early, MI’s bowlers will be under serious pressure. His fearless approach can help KKR set the tone for a big total.

4. Anukul Roy

  • Role: All-rounder (Left-arm spinner, lower-order batter)
  • Strengths: Effective spin bowling, useful batting lower down the order
  • Potential Impact: Can bowl economical spells and chip in with crucial wickets. A reliable option in the middle overs to stifle MI’s run rate. Can contribute with the bat, providing depth to KKR’s lineup

Match Strategy and Key Clashes

MI’s Bowling vs KKR’s Batting

  • Mumbai’s bowlers must find a way to contain Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s power-hitting.
  • Anrich Nortje’s raw pace could pose a major challenge to MI’s top order.
  • If Manish Pandey settles in, MI might struggle to control the middle overs.

KKR’s Bowling vs MI’s Batting

  • Nortje’s express deliveries could dismantle MI’s fragile batting order.
  • Will Jacks and Raj Bawa will need to counter KKR’s spinners effectively.
  • Karn Sharma’s wrist spin could play a crucial role in breaking partnerships.

Final Thoughts

With Mumbai Indians desperately seeking their first win and Kolkata Knight Riders aiming to solidify their standing, this game promises to be an intense battle.

  • For MI, key players like Will Jacks, Raj Bawa, and Karn Sharma must step up.
  • For KKR, contributions from Anrich Nortje, Manish Pandey, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi will be crucial.

Both teams have match-winners capable of shifting momentum in their favor. With a packed crowd at Wankhede, expect a thrilling contest between two powerhouse franchises.

Who do you think will be the game-changer in this MI vs KKR clash? Share your predictions below!

Also Check: MI vs KKR Live Score, Match 12