Mumbai Indians: From Dynasty to Drought – What's Gone Wrong with the 5-Time Champs?

Once hailed as the most dominant force in IPL history, the Mumbai Indians are currently a shadow of their former glory. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, the five-time champions have struggled to find rhythm in the ongoing season. With three consecutive losses piling up, questions are swirling around their form, leadership, and team strategy. High expectations from fans and cricket pundits are turning into frustration, as the mighty MI continue to falter — not just this season, but over the last two IPL editions as well. Is this just a rough patch or the beginning of a long-term decline?

Credit: BCCI.

Poor Start to the Season: A Rocky Road for the Giants

The 2025 season has begun on a sour note for the Mumbai Indians, who find themselves struggling right from the outset. With three consecutive losses, the five-time champions are languishing near the bottom of the points table — a spot no one expected them to be in, considering the firepower in their squad.

1. Unable to Manage Required Run Rate in Death Overs While Chasing

One of the most visible weaknesses in Mumbai Indians’ recent games has been their inability to accelerate during the death overs. When chasing, the required run rate often shoots up in the final five overs, and MI has repeatedly fallen short. Despite having a decent platform in the middle overs, the team fails to finish strong — often leaving too much for the last few balls and crumbling under pressure. The lack of clean hitters stepping up in crunch moments has cost them multiple games.

2. Lack of Experience in Finishers Other Than Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, being one of the few reliable finishers in the lineup, has had to shoulder most of the burden during the closing stages of an innings. However, without proper support from the lower middle order, his efforts have not been enough. Mumbai Indians seem to be missing the calm and explosiveness that players like Kieron Pollard once brought to the table. The lack of experience and composure in finishing roles is leaving a big gap in their batting strategy.

3. Rohit Sharma’s Form is a Concern – We Hope He Finds His Touch Soon

Rohit Sharma, a key pillar in MI’s success over the years, has not been in his usual fluent form this season. A strong start at the top is crucial in setting the tone while chasing or putting up a target, but Rohit’s early dismissals have added pressure on the middle order. The team, and fans alike, are hoping the Hitman rediscovers his rhythm soon — because when Rohit fires, Mumbai usually flies.

4. Played 5 Matches, Won Just 1 – Losing Streak While Chasing is Alarming

So far, MI has played 5 matches in the season, with only 1 win to their name. More concerning is the pattern in their defeats — all of their last 3 losses have come while chasing. This points to a strategic and execution-related issue in run chases. Whether it’s poor pacing of innings or lack of intent during middle overs, something clearly isn’t working, and it’s costing them crucial points.

5. A High-Class Team, But Time to Bounce Back from This Downfall

Mumbai Indians are no strangers to setbacks, but the last two seasons combined with the current form show a worrying decline. That said, if there's any team with the depth, experience, and star power to make a comeback, it’s MI. The fans still have hope, and cricket has often seen mighty turnarounds. With a few tweaks in mindset and strategy, the blue brigade could still rise from the ashes and reclaim their reputation as IPL giants.

Stability Over Shuffling: MI Must Back Their Core and Get the XI Right

One of the key areas where Mumbai Indians management needs to act quickly is in finalizing a balanced and stable playing XI. Frequent chopping and changing is hurting the team's rhythm and not allowing players to settle into their roles. The essence of a champion side lies in trusting your core group, even when the results don’t immediately go your way.

A big tactical adjustment that can bring better balance is promoting Tilak Varma to No. 3. His composure, stroke play, and ability to anchor or accelerate make him a solid fit in the top order. Meanwhile, playing Will Jacks at No. 5 can boost the finishing power, giving MI a reliable overseas hitter in the middle.

Such changes can not only add structure to the batting lineup but also reduce the pressure on Pandya and the top order. MI has the squad to turn things around — now it’s just about backing the right players in the right positions and sticking with a clear strategy.

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