Few thought Mumbai Indians (MI) would be in the IPL 2025 playoffs after they lost four of their first five games. However, the five-time winners made a late surge and never looked back. Continuing their supreme show, MI crushed Delhi Capitals by 59 runs at Wankhede Stadium last week, an outcome that saw them advance to tournament's next stage in spectacular fashion. On Monday, the team will be gunning for the pole position as they take on red-hot Punjab Kings, another team which has qualified for the playoffs.
Slow start
The initial indications were bleak. MI were a pale shadow of their former greatness when you combine it with a batting lineup that was struggling and a bowling attack that was searching for rhythm. But there was a glimmer of battle despite the mounting defeats.
Result that sparked turnaround
That flame was lit during a heated match against the Delhi Capitals in April, when a tumultuous final over resulted in an almost unbelievable victory. Regardless of how sly it was, that one triumph served as the springboard. A stunning six-match winning streak ensued, completely reversing the previous trend. The squad that appeared disorganized suddenly acquired belief, and the side that appeared rudderless found organization.
Elements that led comeback
MI's comeback was planned via brutal, strategic bowling rather than showy batting. Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar's new-ball combination was crucial in establishing the tone and tearing through the top echelons. Their combined 23 Powerplay wickets frequently left opponents stunned.
After returning from a lengthy injury layoff, Jasprit Bumrah only made MI's attack more lethal. Whether bowling up front or closing out games, Bumrah's economy of 6.39 and ability to make timely breakthroughs gave Hardik Pandya's team control. Since his return, MI's death-overs economy has drastically decreased, allowing the team to dictate terms rather than chase games.
Covering the gaps
Mumbai also become more tactically astute. Hardik made sure sensitive places weren't left uncovered for too long, kept his bowlers fresh, and used spinners in brief spurts. The plan was straightforward: never provide breathing room, strike early, and strangle late.
SKY's surge
Thanks in large part to a fiery Suryakumar Yadav, the hitters also rediscovered their rhythm as the bowling changed games. SKY has always been a spectacle when he is at his best. He is doing the same and has played a key role in MI's rise from bottom. A top Orange Cap contender, SKY has amassed 583 runs in 13 innings at an explosive strike-rate of 170-plus. He has notched four half-centuries, which include the vital 73* against DC to secure playoffs qualification.
Collective effort
However, MI’s rise wasn't a one-man show. Naman Dhir emerged as an unexpected finisher, Tilak Varma settled into his middle-order role after a nervous start, and Ryan Rickelton found his timing again. When combined, they greatly increased the team's batting strike-rate and provided depth. Even when Rohit Sharma wasn't playing at his best, his background and aptitude for handling challenging situations made him valuable.
Pandya 2024 vs Pandya 2025
Given the off-field turmoil that preceded Hardik Pandya's ascent to the position, replacing Rohit was never going to be simple. The 2024 season was characterized by intense scrutiny and loud jeers. To his credit, though, Hardik didn't recoil. With each victory, his leadership grew. Decisions were sharpened and field placements became tactically more intelligent. The group gradually started to mirror the clarity of its leader.
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