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Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has revealed which team is he supporting in IPL 2025.
Shikhar Dhawan with girlfriend Sophie Shine. (PC: shikhardofficial/Instagram)
Shikhar Dhawan has revealed that he’s backing the Mumbai Indians (MI) to win IPL 2025, saying the five-time champions have been ‘playing very well’ and are a well-balanced team who have momentum on their side. The former India opener picked Hardik Pandya’s side over his former club, Punjab Kings (PBKS), and the high-flying Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are the only team to have solidified their place in the final so far.
Dhawan was PBKS’ captain last year when they finished ninth in the points table, just above MI. This year, under Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting, the Punjab-based franchise has been one of the best, qualifying at the top of the table. But they lost to RCB in the first Qualifier and will play against MI in the second Qualifier after the latter beat Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in the Eliminator on Friday.
“This time, the IPL has been very excitingmFor 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 was quoted as saying by India Today.
The left-handed batter also commented on his ODI replacement, Gill’s appointment as India’s Test captain. Gill, 25, has been trusted with the job ahead of the five-Test series against England in June, ahead of several senior players like Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
“I feel it’s a great choice,” Dhawan added. “Shubman has performed really well in the IPL recently. He is a great talent and has matured — he’s been playing for the Indian team for several years now. I feel he’s the perfect candidate to take on the Test captaincy, and I’m sure he will handle it well and lead the team together. This is the new generation now — Gen Z — and I’m confident he’ll do a great job. All my best wishes to him.”
The Test series will begin on June 20 in Headingley, marking the start of the new World Test Championship cycle.
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