Mumbai Indians (MI) have been hit with injury concerns just ahead of their crucial IPL 2025 Eliminator clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 30 in Mullanpur. Key players Deepak Chahar and Tilak Varma were seen limping before the high-pressure knockout match, raising doubts about their fitness for this vital encounter.
MI, led by Hardik Pandya, faced a setback in their last league match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), suffering a defeat that denied them a direct spot in Qualifier 1. Instead, Mumbai finished fourth in the points table with eight wins out of 14 matches, setting up a do-or-die Eliminator against Gujarat Titans. The game will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
The stakes are incredibly high, as the winner will move on to face the loser of Qualifier 1, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and PBKS are set to lock horns on May 29 at the same venue. The pressure on Mumbai is intense, especially since Gujarat Titans hold a psychological edge, having beaten MI twice in the league phase.
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Deepak Chahar’s injury woes have been a recurring theme in his career. The experienced pacer, an integral part of Mumbai’s bowling attack alongside Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, sustained a leg injury during the recent match against PBKS. Despite receiving strapping, Chahar managed only three overs before limping off. A video circulating on social media shows him struggling to walk at the airport, casting doubts over his availability for the Eliminator.
Seems Both Tilak Varma & Deepak Chahar Unlikely to Play The Eliminator Against GT. in Recent Video Both Looked Limping While Travelling to Mullanpur. Its Ain’t Looking Good Bruv 🚶 pic.twitter.com/aqdqAO6kRS
— яιşнí. (@BellaDon_3z) May 29, 2025
Tilak Varma, meanwhile, has also been nursing a knee injury from the same game. He appeared uncomfortable while travelling with the team, and if both players are ruled out or limited, MI’s chances could take a serious hit.
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Tilak’s IPL 2025 campaign has been a mixed bag. Though he displayed flashes of brilliance with back-to-back fifties, consistency has eluded him, particularly batting in the middle order. His 274 runs from 11 innings come at an average of 30.44 and a strike rate of 131.73. Competition from top-order batsmen like Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav has restricted his opportunities, and notably, he was even retired out in the game against LSG.
As the most successful IPL franchise with five titles, Mumbai Indians will be desperate to keep their campaign alive and chase a record sixth crown. However, fitness concerns over Chahar and Varma add an extra layer of uncertainty to their knockout hopes.
