As the pressure mounts ahead of the decisive Eliminator clash in IPL 2025, a refreshing moment of levity emerged from the Mumbai Indians’ (MI) camp, courtesy of New Zealand speedster Trent Boult. The seasoned left-arm pacer was in high spirits during a practice session in Mullanpur on May 29, just a day before the all-important face-off against the Gujarat Titans.
In a light-hearted moment that delighted teammates and support staff alike, Trent Boult playfully mimicked the bowling action of his longtime New Zealand teammate and fellow left-armer, Mitchell Santner. Known for his accuracy and calm demeanor, Santner’s slow and calculated bowling style stood in sharp contrast to Boult’s explosive pace—and the mimicry had everyone in splits, not least Trent Boult himself.
The camaraderie between the two Kiwi stars runs deep. Trent Boultt and Santner have shared the field for New Zealand across all formats for several years. While Santner turned out for Chennai Super Kings during IPL 2024, Trent Boult donned the pink of Rajasthan Royals. The 2025 season brought them together under the MI banner, with Santner being picked up for ₹2 crore during the auction, while Boult commanded a substantial ₹12.50 crore—a testament to his reputation and match-winning abilities with the new ball.
The jovial moment gained an added dose of humor when MI’s ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah quipped, “That’s why we should stick to fast bowling,” drawing laughter from the squad and lightening the atmosphere further.
Though the light-hearted session lifted spirits in the MI camp, the significance of the upcoming clash cannot be ignored. With elimination on the line, the stakes are immense—one team’s journey will end despite a strong league performance. Both sides have shown moments of brilliance this season, but Gujarat Titans hold the mental edge, having beaten Mumbai Indians twice already.
For Mumbai, a team with a rich legacy in the IPL, the pressure to deliver in crunch situations is nothing new. Yet, every playoff game carries its own weight and unpredictability. The Titans, powered by a balanced squad and tactical depth, will aim to make it three out of three against the five-time champions.
As both teams gear up for the showdown in Mullanpur, Boult’s playful imitation served as a reminder that even amidst intense competition, cricket remains a game built on friendships, fun, and moments of joy. Whether that lightheartedness translates into match-winning performances remains to be seen—but if history is any guide, a relaxed Boult is a dangerous Boult.
