MUM vs SIK Vijay Hazare Trophy Prediction, Playing XI & Pitch Report

The Vijay Hazare Trophy is back, and we have a fascinating contest to kick things off in Jaipur. Domestic giants Mumbai take on an emerging Sikkim side at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. With Mumbai boasting a star studded lineup and Sikkim looking to make a statement after some spirited recent performances, this match offers plenty of interesting angles for your fantasy contests.

Here is everything you need to know to build your skills and climb the leaderboard in this ODI encounter.

Match Details

• Match: Mumbai vs Sikkim, Vijay Hazare Trophy
• Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
• Date & Time: December 24, 2025, 09:30 AM IST (Local Time)
• Format: ODI

Weather Report

Jaipur in late December is generally pleasant for cricket, but early mornings can be chilly. The forecast suggests a clear sunny day with temperatures ranging between 17°C to 24°C. Humidity is expected to be low, around 35-40%, and there is zero probability of rain. The cool morning conditions might offer some initial movement for the pacers, but as the sun comes out, batting should become easier.

Pitch Report

The surface at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium has historically been decent for batting, but recent stats suggest a battle for the batters. The average score in the last 5 matches here is just 183.3, indicating that bowlers have dominated.

Pacers have been more effective than spinners on this track, picking up 41 wickets compared to 33 by the tweakers in the last five games. However, considering Mumbai's heavy batting artillery, we might see a score much higher than the average if they bat first.

Team Analysis: Mumbai

Mumbai enters this contest as the overwhelming favorites. Their recent form has been solid, with wins against Saurashtra and Puducherry. The inclusion of Rohit Sharma in the squad (and his high selection percentage) suggests he might feature, which is a massive boost. Sarfaraz Khan and Musheer Khan have been consistent run getters, while Shardul Thakur leads the bowling attack with his knack for breaking partnerships.

Team Analysis: Sikkim

Sikkim might be the underdogs, but they cannot be taken lightly. They are coming off a morale boosting win against Rajasthan where they chased down a target effectively. Ankur Malik is their standout fantasy asset, contributing with both bat and ball. Their bowling unit, led by Md Saptulla, will have to bowl out of their skins to contain the Mumbai lineup.

Key Players to Watch

Rohit Sharma If the Indian skipper takes the field, he is an automatic pick. His ability to score big hundreds in this format is unmatched, and he will enjoy the Jaipur surface.

Sarfaraz Khan A domestic run machine, Sarfaraz is a must have in your fantasy teams. He is excellent against spin and can anchor the innings if early wickets fall.

Shardul Thakur Shardul is a genuine wicket taker. The pitch stats favoring pacers make him a lethal option. He can also contribute valuable runs down the order if needed.

Ankur Malik For Sikkim, Ankur is the MVP. With a selection of 93%, he is the most popular player from his team for a reason. He provides points in both innings.

Musheer Khan A solid all rounder who balances the side perfectly. His recent form makes him a safe pick for your contests.

Captaincy & Vice Captaincy Picks

• Safe Options: Rohit Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Shardul Thakur
• Differential Picks: Ankur Malik, Musheer Khan

Fantasy Strategy

Given the disparity in team strength, a 7-4 combination favoring Mumbai is the logical route. Focus on Mumbai's top order batters and their opening bowlers. For Sikkim, prioritize their all rounders who are likely to get maximum game time. Since the pitch assists pacers, loading up on seamers from the team bowling first is a smart strategy for the Mega Leagues.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on historical data and current player form. Use your skills and knowledge to create your final teams.