Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has said that the Mumbai Indians (MI) might be in a dilemma while picking their third seamer for their IPL 2025 clash against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He added that MI has been struggling due to Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya’s absence as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra’, he said, “Since Bumrah isn’t there, their fast-bowling makeup remains to be seen, and they have a chance to play overseas bowlers. They do have the options. Will Reece Topley and Trent Boult both play because one more pace bowler is reduced due to Hardik’s absence?”

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“So it’s not only Bumrah’s four overs, two or three overs of Hardik are also gone. I am thinking that Deepak Chahar will play against his old franchise. Trent Boult will be there with him. However, who will be the third pacer? Do they go Indian or do they go overseas? It will be a big challenge in front of them,” he again added.

However, Aakash Chopra again shared that the Mumbai Indians won’t be able to play Mitchell Santner and Mujeeb Ur Rahman together against the CSK if they field a second overseas seamer as well.

“If they play an additional overseas pacer, will they be able to play Mujeeb with Mitchell Santner? They won’t be able to play him because if they play two overseas there, two overseas spinners can’t play. I am very curious to see who they will play from their overseas contingent. One of Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks will play. Who will play – we don’t know. This match will tell that. One of Santner and Mujeeb will play. That will be Santner against his former franchise. Thirdly, Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult are written in stone, but who will be the third?” Aakash Chopra concluded.