Mumbai Indians (MI), under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, are set to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a crucial IPL 2025 encounter. The question on everyone's mind is whether MI can overcome their playoff struggles and secure a spot in the final.

MI's journey to this point has been a rollercoaster. After a shaky start to the season, losing four of their first five matches, they staged a remarkable comeback, showcasing their resilience and experience. This turnaround was fueled by strong performances from senior players and the emergence of youngsters, with the return of Jasprit Bumrah adding significant firepower to their bowling attack. Former India player Shikhar Dhawan has expressed his support for Mumbai Indians, acknowledging their impressive momentum shift and balanced team composition. He believes they are strong contenders for their sixth IPL trophy, which would surpass Chennai Super Kings as the most successful franchise in IPL history.

However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, who previously guided KKR to the title, will be a formidable opponent. Despite a recent setback in Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where they suffered a dramatic batting collapse, PBKS has demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, particularly in Ahmedabad. They have won four out of six matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium, showcasing their familiarity with the conditions. In their recent encounter on May 26, 2025, PBKS defeated MI, successfully chasing down a target of 185 runs.

Historically, MI holds a slight edge in head-to-head records, with 17 wins compared to PBKS's 16 in 33 matches. However, PBKS's recent victory and their comfort level in Ahmedabad suggest that this could be a closely contested battle. Several factors could influence the outcome of the match. The conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium, known for its batting-friendly surfaces, will likely favor teams with strong batting lineups. The fitness of key players, such as Deepak Chahar for MI and Yuzvendra Chahal for PBKS, could also play a crucial role.

For Mumbai Indians, the key will be to leverage their playoff experience and the individual brilliance of their star players. Rohit Sharma, coming off a strong performance in the Eliminator, and Suryakumar Yadav, who has been remarkably consistent throughout the season, will be crucial in setting up a competitive total. Jasprit Bumrah's ability to deliver under pressure will be vital in restricting the PBKS batting lineup.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will need their top order to fire and put up a substantial score. Shreyas Iyer, despite a recent failure, has been in good form and will be expected to lead the charge. The performance of their bowlers, particularly Yuzvendra Chahal, will be crucial in containing the MI batsmen.

According to AI predictions, the match is expected to be a closely contested affair. While some AI models give a slight edge to Mumbai Indians based on their playoff experience and match-winners, others suggest that PBKS has a solid chance if their top order clicks and they post a competitive total.

The winner of this match will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final. While MI aims for their seventh final appearance, PBKS seeks redemption and their first-ever IPL title.