Mumbai Indians are one of the most successful teams in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. They have reached the playoffs of the competition six times and have won the championship as many as five times. All of MI’s five IPL titles came under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Only Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is the other team to win the IPL title five times.
In this edition of the IPL, few thought the Mumbai Indians would be in the playoffs after they lost four of their first five games. However, the Hardik Pandya-led side made the unlikely look sure once more last Wednesday by crushing the Delhi Capitals by 59 runs at Wankhede Stadium, securing the final playoff spot in spectacular fashion.
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During a heated match against the Delhi Capitals in April, 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.
Going into their last league match against Punjab Kings, MI had 16 points and were ranked fourth in the standings, and a victory over the Shreyas Iyer-led side would have moved them up to second place.
But that was not to be as PBKS reached the top of the standings with a clinical 7-wicket victory over MI at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday.
History has it that MI have never won the IPL title when they have finished out of top two. All of their five titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 have come when they have finished in top two.
To add to their misery, this season, MI haven’t been able to defeat the other three teams that are in the playoffs – Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
MI’s opponents in the Eliminator will be decided after the match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and RCB at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday.
But as cricket is a game of inglorious uncertainties, and MI have the arsenal to rise against the odds, don’t be surprised if MI go all the way to win their sixth IPL title.
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