How speed demons and Suryakumar`s fireworks ignited Mumbai`s top-four push

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians have once again demonstrated their ability to thrive under pressure, securing the final playoff spot in IPL 2025.

Set to play the Eliminator on May 30 against either Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Gujarat Titans, Mumbai’s path to the playoffs have been defined by a resurgence in form, a legendary pace duo reuniting, and a standout campaign from their batting lynchpin.

Finishing fourth in the league table with eight wins and six losses, MI ended the group stage on 16 points. Though the Eliminator is a high-stakes affair where one misstep can end a campaign, Mumbai have made a habit of delivering when the odds are stacked against them. The franchise’s storied legacy is built on grit, resilience, and the uncanny ability to peak when it matters most.

One of the defining features of MI’s 2025 campaign has been their formidable pace attack. Their pacers have collectively taken 70 wickets, the highest by any team this season, at an average of 22.72, a strike rate of 15.7, and an economy rate of 8.64. These numbers underline MI`s dominance with the ball and their ability to dismantle batting line-ups efficiently.

A major reason behind this success has been the reunion of Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, a duo that played an instrumental role in MI`s 2020 title triumph. Watching these two veterans unleash their craft during the powerplay and death overs has been a nostalgic treat for fans and a nightmare for opposition batters. Boult has been MI’s leading wicket-taker with 19 scalps in 14 games, averaging 22.26 with an economy of 8.51. Bumrah, despite missing a few games due to injury, remains among the top five wicket-takers with 16 wickets at an astonishing average of 14.64 and a miserly economy of 6.33.

Their efforts have been well supported by captain Hardik Pandya (13 wickets, including a five-wicket haul), Deepak Chahar (11 wickets), and Ashwani Kumar (eight wickets in five appearances). The likes of Corbin Bosch and PVSN Raju also chipped in with wickets when needed.

On the batting front, Suryakumar Yadav has been nothing short of sensational. With 640 runs at an average of 71.11 and a strike rate nearing 168, he has not only been MI’s top scorer but also ranks third overall in the tournament. He has crossed 25 runs in every innings, setting a new T20 record. Behind him, Ryan Rickelton (388 runs) and Rohit Sharma (329 runs) have added stability, while Will Jacks’ all-round prowess, 233 runs and six wickets, has provided vital balance. Jacks also earned two `Player of the Match` awards for his impactful performances.

Despite starting the season with just one win from five matches, Mumbai stormed back with six consecutive victories to seal their playoff berth. With key players hitting form and the experienced core of their 2020 championship squad performing consistently, MI have proven yet again why they are the most decorated franchise in IPL history.

(With ANI inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day