Three run-outs. That’s how it all changed. After being down and out in the first three weeks of the IPL, Mumbai Indians (MI) are now firmly entrenched in the top four and look poised to make the play-offs yet again. Sport is all about grabbing your opportunity, and that’s what stands out in this team. Against Delhi in Delhi, it all seemed done and dusted. Vipraj Nigam was batting beautifully after a Karun Nair classic, and Mumbai were literally rock bottom in the league table. Jasprit Bumrah, who took 4-22 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Sunday, was hit all over the park by Karun, and it seemed that there was no way back for Mumbai. They needed a spark and the run-outs provided exactly that. And once they had that game, they had the zeal to turn things around.
Now, they look on song and only the daft would want to bet against them. With every passing game, Bumrah is getting better with the 4-22 more compelling evidence. Trent Boult, after a rather poor start to the competition, is finding his groove, and if Deepak Chahar finds swing in the powerplay, it is a fantastic pace attack for any batting unit to negotiate. Add Will Jacks with his off-spin and Corbin Bosch, and you are talking about a well-rounded bowling unit.
Jasprit Bumrah stars with a four-wicket burst and later order chips in with quick runs as all-round MI outplay LSG in #IPL2025 match.@snehasis_95 writes #MIvLSG https://t.co/EHZd0N4wqQ
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) April 27, 2025
More than the bowling, it is the batting that has started to come good. Rohit Sharma, after an indifferent start, found form with two match-winning innings. Even against LSG, the two sixes off Mayank Yadav had class written over them. Suryakumar Yadav is back to the Surya of old and is playing 360 degrees around the ground. Some of his shots aren’t part of any manual and all you can do is applaud.
Ryan Rickelton too has come to the party, and it was the South African left-hand batter who launched into Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi on Sunday. Finally, in Naman Dhir, Mumbai have discovered a reliable finisher. The six off the last ball of their innings against LSG was evidence of the confidence the young man now has and that’s what has served Mumbai well.
In Hardik Pandya, they have a stellar leader. He is involved, passionate, animated and always on the money. From having the worst IPL in 2024 to turning things around in 2025, Pandya can do no wrong at the moment. He is clearly enjoying the support of his peers and with the ownership firmly behind him, all that happened in the past is now forgotten.
The truth is Mumbai are starting to look the team to beat. They have started to reach peak potential as the tournament reaches the business end, and with five trophies behind them, they know what it takes to win. The difference between them and most other franchises is that they know how to win. Win from adverse situations and in alien conditions. A play-off spot looks very likely at the moment and if that happens, they will be strong title contenders. From finishing last to making things count yet again, Mumbai Indians are clearly proving the adage that in sport, it is never say never.
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