After a rocky start to IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians have staged a strong comeback under captain Hardik Pandya, winning four matches on the trot to climb to fourth place on the points table. With 10 points from 9 games and a healthy net run rate of +0.673, MI has reignited their playoff hopes with five league games still to go.
From languishing at the bottom of the table to now sitting in the top four, Mumbai’s turnaround has been powered by key performances from senior players, most notably former captain Rohit Sharma, who delivered a match-winning 70 off 46 balls in their latest encounter.
Facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 41 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, MI put in a clinical performance. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Hardik Pandya’s bowlers kept Hyderabad in check, restricting them to 143/8. Heinrich Klaasen was the lone warrior for SRH, scoring a gritty 71, but lacked support from the other end.
In response, Mumbai chased down the target in just 16 overs, with Rohit Sharma anchoring the innings and Suryakumar Yadav contributing a composed unbeaten 40. The comfortable 7-wicket victory not only added crucial points but also bolstered MI’s net run rate—a key factor as the playoff race intensifies.
What MI needs to qualify
To seal a playoff spot in the 10-team format, teams typically need at least 16 points. With five league games remaining, MI must win at least three more to meet that mark. While qualification with 14 points is not unheard of, it depends heavily on other results and a superior net run rate—something MI is currently well-positioned on.
Avoiding reliance on other teams’ outcomes, Mumbai will look to carry forward their momentum and secure a top-four finish on their own terms.
Mumbai Indians’ next match is a crucial one against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday, April 27. A fifth consecutive win could further solidify their path to the playoffs in what has become a dramatic mid-season turnaround.