Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the Afghanistan National Cricket Team spinner got his debut cap from Rohit Sharma for IPL’s Most Successful team Mumbai Indians (MI) against the Gujarat Titans (GT). The iconic moment happened right before the high-voltage encounter between Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 29.
An IPL 2025 Mumbai Indians player, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has always been known for his mystery spin and wicket-taking ability,IPL 2025 Mumbai Indians player Superstar of this team, Rohit Sharma was also seen as he entered the locker room and gave Mujeeb a pep talk followed by the MI cap. The gesture reflected the team’s trust in the Afghan bowler’s skills.
However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s first outing for Mumbai Indians did not go as smoothly — a reminder that while debuts are special, not all of them are magical. Bowling in the powerplay, he was introduced into the attack in the fifth over, but Gujarat Titans’ openers, Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, did not ease up on him. Mujeeb’s first two deliveries were sent for a boundary and a six, providing an omen for a tough spell.
Despite Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s standing as one of the foremost spinners in T20 cricket, the Afghan international found it difficult to keep the GT batters in check early on, going for 15 in his first over. But as the match evolved, Mumbai Indians’ bowlers recovered to seize control.
By the way, Mujeeb Ur Rahman is not a part of the original IPL 2025 squad of Mumbai Indians. He was signed as a replacement for Afghanistan’s young spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who was unable to play due to injury. But MI did not bring in Mujeeb’s services for free; they bought the Afghan for INR 2 crore, having realised his expertise and match-winning ability in T20 cricket.
This was the Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s IPL-return match after a long gap, against Gujarat Titans. His last appearance in the league was in 2021, when he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Before joining Chennai, Chahar had begun his IPL journey with Punjab Kings back in 2018, where he caught the attention of many with his ability to use his variations in a manner that would trouble batters.
And even though Mujeeb Ur Rahman had a tough first half in the encounter between Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians, his track record makes him one of the most effective spinners in T20 cricket. Overall in T20 cricket, he has taken over 275 wickets at a phenomenal economy of 6.75. His mystery spin and its variations make him a particularly dangerous weapon, especially on turning tracks.
However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman had a mixed IPL career. He had not played 20 matches before this season, but had taken as many wickets at an economy of more than 8 runs per over. As Mumbai Indians chase a record-extending sixth IPL title, they’ll be hoping Mujeeb can hit his peak and become a match-winner for the remainder of IPL 2023.
Mumbai Indians managed to rein in Gujarat Titans after an expensive start from Mujeeb Ur Rahman to restrict them to 196 for 8. GT got off to a fiery start as their openers Shubman Gill (63) and Sai Sudharsan (63) forged a brimming partnership. Jos Buttler provided valuable support with a vital 39, but MI’s bowling attack excelled in the second half of the innings.
Mumbai Indians aim to take IPL 2025 by storm; Mujeeb Ur Rahman would want to return better in the next games MI would be banking on his variations and clever bowling to turn games as they would look to add another title to their impressive trophy cabinet.
