Mujeeb-ur-Rahman Joins Mumbai Indians as Replacement for Injured Allah Ghazanfar in IPL 2025

In a strategic squad reshuffle, Mumbai Indians (MI) have officially signed Mujeeb-ur-Rahman as a replacement for Allah Ghazanfar for the upcoming TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Ghazanfar, the young Afghan spinner, has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, prompting MI to bring in the experienced Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, who joins the franchise for ₹2 crore.

Mujeeb-ur-Rahman: A Proven T20 Specialist

Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, a right-arm off-spinner, is no stranger to the IPL and franchise cricket. Having previously represented Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Afghan spinner has featured in 19 IPL matches, picking up 19 wickets with his trademark variations and mystery spin.

Mujeeb’s T20 Experience

• Has played in multiple T20 leagues worldwide, including the Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and The Hundred.
• Brings wrist-flick carrom balls, deceptive off-spin, and powerplay wicket-taking ability, making him an asset for MI.
• Has a strong record in powerplay bowling, often stifling batters with his tight line and unpredictable variations.

Mujeeb’s inclusion strengthens Mumbai Indians’ spin attack, adding depth alongside Piyush Chawla, Shreyas Gopal, and Kumar Kartikeya.

Mumbai Indians’ Spin Department: A Tactical Boost

With Ghazanfar out of the equation, MI needed a replacement capable of delivering match-winning performances, particularly in the middle overs and powerplay scenarios. Mujeeb’s ability to bowl in different phases of the innings provides MI with a flexible spin-bowling option.

Potential Impact on MI’s Bowling Attack

• Spin Duo with Piyush Chawla: Mujeeb’s mystery spin combined with Chawla’s leg-spin expertise could offer MI a potent spin combination.
• Complementing Pace Attack: With Jasprit Bumrah, Gerald Coetzee, and Jason Behrendorff leading the pace department, Mujeeb adds a strategic spin element to MI’s bowling lineup.
• Powerplay Specialist: Known for stifling batters early on, Mujeeb could be a game-changer in the first six overs.

Why Mumbai Indians Chose Mujeeb-ur-Rahman?

1. Experience in High-Pressure Matches

   • Mujeeb has played in numerous T20 leagues, adapting to varied conditions across global tournaments.

2. Variety in Spin Bowling

   • Offers a different skill set compared to MI’s existing spinners, making the attack more versatile.

3. Proven IPL Track Record

   • Has IPL experience, meaning no adjustment period is required, making him an instant plug-and-play option