IPL 2025: Mumbai's Shameful Streak Extends To 13th Year

Over the past 13 seasons, Mumbai Indians (MI) has seen four different captains lead the team.

Mumbai Indians' inability to start strong is quite frustrating.

Source : PTI

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), joint-most successful team in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, continues to struggle in season openers.

For the 13th consecutive year, MI failed to win their first match, extending a streak that dates back to 2013. This time, they suffered a 4-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2025 opening clash on March 23.

Despite assembling a star-studded squad every year, Mumbai Indians' (MI) slow starts remain a persistent issue. The last time they won their first match of the season was in 2012, and once again, hopes of breaking this trend were dashed in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Four captains, same fate

Over the past 13 seasons, Mumbai Indians (MI) has seen four different captains lead the team, but none have managed to change their fortune in the opening fixture. This year, Suryakumar Yadav captained MI in the absence of Hardik Pandya, yet the outcome remained the same. Even under Rohit Sharma's long captaincy stint, Mumbai struggled to get off to a winning start.

MI's struggles with the bat

Playing at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, Mumbai Indians batted first and posted a modest 155/9 in 20 overs. No batsman managed to play a defining innings, with senior players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav failing to make an impact. The absence of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah weakened the team significantly, both in the batting and bowling departments.

Chennai's commanding chase

CSK comfortably chased the 156-run target, with Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the charge. Ravindra smashed 65 off 45 balls, sealing the win with a six, while Gaikwad played an aggressive 53-run knock in just 26 balls. Mumbai's bowling attack looked ineffective, allowing Chennai to dominate and extend MI's first-match losing streak.

Can MI ever break this streak?

Mumbai Indians' inability to start strong is quite frustrating. Despite winning five IPL trophies, their season-opening record remains their Achilles' heel. The big question now is - will MI finally break this unwanted streak in the coming years, or will history keep repeating itself? Only time will tell.