IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: Varun Aaron Backs PBKS to Edge MI on Ahmedabad Surface

IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: Varun Aaron Backs PBKS to Edge MI on Ahmedabad Surface

As Punjab Kings (PBKS) gear up to face Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025, former India pacer Varun Aaron believes the conditions in Ahmedabad could give PBKS a slight advantage. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show, Aaron highlighted the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium as a factor that could favor Punjab’s top order.

“I think the Ahmedabad surface is going to suit Punjab. It’ll suit both teams, but Punjab more, because they rely heavily on their openers,” Aaron said. “It’s good they qualified in the top two. Their young Indian contingent has already experienced the pressure of a knockout game and now understands what's needed.”

PBKS come into this match on the back of a disappointing loss in Qualifier 1, where they were bowled out for just 101 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in New Chandigarh. Despite the setback, Aaron believes the team, under the guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting, is mentally prepared to bounce back.

"I'm sure Ricky Ponting has reset their mindset," Aaron added. “As Shreyas Iyer said, they lost a battle but haven’t lost the war.”

Tom Moody, also part of the discussion panel, echoed Aaron’s sentiments about Punjab’s resilience. Though he tipped MI as favorites, Moody cautioned against underestimating PBKS.

“PBKS have certainly punched above their weight this season,” Moody said. “They just need to refocus on what’s made them successful—particularly their uncapped players who’ve performed beyond expectations.”

Mumbai Indians enter the contest on a high, having posted a dominant 228 for 5 against Gujarat Titans (GT) to seal their place in Qualifier 2. Led by the red-hot Jasprit Bumrah, MI seem to have found momentum at the business end of the tournament.

Moody emphasized the importance of confidence in PBKS’ camp: “They need to surround their young players with belief. On a good batting surface, they can definitely compete.”

Aaron agreed that the key for PBKS lies in setting the tone early, preferably by batting first.

“I think Punjab would love to set the target in a high-pressure game like this,” he said. “They’ve got a good but inexperienced batting unit, and in such situations, setting a target eases the pressure and allows the bowlers to take charge.”

With both teams eyeing a spot in the IPL 2025 final, the stage is set for a thrilling clash in Ahmedabad. While MI carry the experience and form, PBKS will be banking on their youthful exuberance and favorable pitch conditions to spring a surprise.

You May Interested

> Budinger Blasts Record-Equalling Fifty as Foxes Down Falcons in T20 Blast Opener
> Gujarat Titans’ Promising Season Ends in Disappointment Amid Batting Void and Fielding Lapses
> Bumrah’s Brilliance Leaves Experts in Awe After MI Knock Out GT in IPL 2025 Eliminator
> Rabada Addresses Drug Ban: 'Won’t Be Mr-I-Apologise Too Much' but Ready to Move On
> Jennings and Wells Power Record Stand as Lancashire Crush Outlaws in Vitality Blast
> Haines Leads England Lions Fightback After Nair’s Marathon Double Ton for India A
> Durham Dismantle Bears Top-Order to Seal Convincing Vitality Blast Win
> Sensational Shreyas Iyer Powers PBKS to Historic IPL Final
> IPL 2025 Final Set to Crown a First-Time Champion as RCB Take on PBKS
> Root’s Record-Breaking Return Fuels England's ODI Resurgence
Indian Premier League 2025 | League
🕹️ 74 Matches 👥 12 Teams 📅 30 Apr, 2025 - 30 Apr, 2025
Pakistan Super League, 2025 | League
🕹️ 34 Matches 👥 8 Teams 📅 30 Apr, 2025 - 30 Apr, 2025
Tri-Nation Series in UAE, 2025 | Domestic
🕹️ 7 Matches 👥 5 Teams 📅 30 Apr, 2025 - 30 Apr, 2025
Womens World Cup Qualifier, 2025 | Women
🕹️ 15 Matches 👥 6 Teams 📅 19 Apr, 2025 - 19 Apr, 2025
England A Women tour of Australia, 2025 | Local
🕹️ 7 Matches 👥 0 Teams 📅 26 Mar, 2025 - 15 Apr, 2025
Kolkata National Cricket Club, 2025 | Local
🕹️ 33 Matches 👥 6 Teams 📅 11 Apr, 2025 - 11 Apr, 2025
County Championship Division One, 2025 | Domestic
🕹️ 35 Matches 👥 10 Teams 📅 30 Apr, 2025 - 30 Apr, 2025
Afghanistan U19 tour of Nepal, 2025 | Domestic
🕹️ 3 Matches 👥 2 Teams 📅 11 Apr, 2025 - 11 Apr, 2025
KCC T20 Challengers B League, 2025 | Local
🕹️ 33 Matches 👥 14 Teams 📅 30 Apr, 2025 - 30 Apr, 2025
Vincy Premier League, 2025 | Local
🕹️ 30 Matches 👥 8 Teams 📅 21 Apr, 2025 - 21 Apr, 2025
Melbourne T10 League, 2025 | Local
🕹️ 22 Matches 👥 7 Teams 📅 17 Apr, 2025 - 17 Apr, 2025
Quadrangular T20I Series in Hong Kong, China, 2025 | International
🕹️ 8 Matches 👥 6 Teams 📅 13 Apr, 2025 - 13 Apr, 2025
Uganda Women tour of Namibia, 2025 | Women
🕹️ 7 Matches 👥 2 Teams 📅 17 Apr, 2025 - 17 Apr, 2025
Major League Cricket 2025 | League
🕹️ 34 Matches 👥 0 Teams 📅 12 Jun, 2025 - 13 Jul, 2025
ECS Italy, Bologna, 2025 | Local
🕹️ 29 Matches 👥 10 Teams 📅 18 Apr, 2025 - 18 Apr, 2025