After enduring a tough stretch since IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians (MI) appear to have rediscovered their rhythm just when it matters most in IPL 2025. The five-time champions had a shaky start to the season, suffering early defeats, but they’ve begun to show why they’re one of the most successful franchises in league history. Having seen both glory and failure over the years, MI has mastered the art of staying composed under pressure and responding with tactical precision.

Climbing from the bottom of the table to 6th place with three consecutive wins, MI’s resurgence has been both timely and impressive. In this article, we break down the key reasons behind their comeback.

Mentality

Mumbai Indians management is well known for its methodical game style on the field. From structuring the playing eleven to utilizing bowlers according to conditions, MI has mastered all these things. After a cruising victory against archrival Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MI batting coach Kieron Pollard revealed that they planned to use Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball against SRH and wanted to use Deepak Chahar against CSK. 

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Return of Bumrah 

Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the early matches due to injury was a major setback for the Mumbai Indians, but his return has proven to be a turning point in their campaign. Once he regained his rhythm, Bumrah quickly reminded everyone of his match-winning abilities with impactful spells. His bowling performances have been crucial — he returned figures of 0/29 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), followed by a tight 1/21 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and a vital 2/25 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

All-rounder skipper 

Mumbai Indians’ captain, Hardik Pandya, has been in exceptional form this season, contributing with both bat and ball. In just five innings, he has scored 104 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 170, demonstrating his explosive batting capabilities. In addition to his batting prowess, Pandya has claimed 11 wickets, placing him firmly in the race for the Purple Cap. His all-around performances have been crucial in tight encounters, where his timely contributions with both bat and ball have helped Mumbai stay competitive. Pandya’s ability to turn matches with his dynamic skills has proven his worth as a match-winner. His leadership, coupled with his individual brilliance, has been a key factor in Mumbai's success this season, and he continues to be a vital player for the team as they push for a playoff spot in IPL 2025.

Vintage Rohit 

Rohit Sharma is steadily regaining his form, with his brilliant knock of 76* off 46 balls being exactly what Mumbai Indians required to lay a solid foundation at the top of their batting order. This innings highlighted his ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships, something MI has relied on for success. Alongside him, Ryan Rickelton has shown encouraging signs of being able to deliver match-winning performances. His promising starts indicate that he could be the explosive partner Rohit needs at the top. Together, the opening duo holds the potential to dominate any bowling attack, creating a strong platform for MI's middle order to capitalize on. If both Rohit and Rickelton continue in this form, they can prove to be a formidable force in the tournament, taking on some of the toughest bowling lineups in IPL 2025. This partnership could be a game-changer for MI as they aim for the playoffs.

Swashbuckling Suryakumar 

Suryakumar Yadav has regained his confidence and form in the middle order, showcasing his trademark 360° hitting abilities. The Mumbai Indians' star batter has been crucial in stabilizing the innings and accelerating when needed. His match-winning knock of an unbeaten 68* off just 30 balls against Chennai Super Kings stands out as his best performance of IPL 2025 so far. Suryakumar's ability to adapt to various situations and play innovative shots has been pivotal in MI's resurgence. His aggressive batting style has been a game-changer, helping the team set strong totals and chase challenging targets. With his current form, he remains a key player for MI as they push for a spot in the playoffs. If he continues this momentum, Suryakumar's contributions could be the driving force behind Mumbai Indians' successful campaign this season.