IPL 2025: Will MI & CSK get eliminated before playoffs?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been dominated by two franchises, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Both have won the title a record five times each and have been the most consistent teams. Notably, they have also faced each other in the IPL final four times, with Mumbai winning three of those. However, they haven't gotten the start they would have wished to in the ongoing IPL 2025, bringing doubts about their chances of making it to the playoffs. 

Mumbai Indians, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, reinvented itself in 2013. Even when they lost early games in previous seasons, they found a way to bounce back and secure playoff spots. This trend has kept their fans optimistic, regardless of their initial struggles. On the other hand, CSK has been one of the most consistent teams, qualifying for the playoffs in 12 out of the 15 seasons they have played. Their success has largely been credited to legendary skipper MS Dhoni, who guided the team to five titles. Even when they did not win, they were strong contenders, making it to a record 10 finals. 

CSK and MI locked horns in their 2025 season opener, where the former ended on the winning side in a close match. However, both teams have since faced difficulties. Chennai won one match and lost another, while Mumbai is yet to secure a win, suffering two back-to-back defeats. In the season opener between the two, Chennai won against MI, thanks to their bowlers, who exploited home conditions effectively. In their next match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, CSK collapsed under pressure, with RCB clinching their first victory in Chennai since 2008.

Also Read: Should MI replace Rohit Sharma in Playing XI for a stronger top-order?

MI, on the other hand, after CSK's loss, faced another setback against the Gujarat Titans (GT). Captain Hardik Pandya’s decisions regarding the playing XI did not work in their favor, and both their batting and bowling departments looked poor. 

Both teams have struggled with tactical errors, which have contributed to their early setbacks. Pandya’s return to MI as captain has been far from ideal, as the team hasn't been able to execute their plans well. Furthermore, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah has also hampered their bowling. Meanwhile, the captaincy change from MS Dhoni to Ruturaj Gaikwad has not been smooth. 

While both teams have a history of making strong comebacks, the 2025 season has not been ideal. Both franchises have made errors with MI’s selection and execution issues, and CSK’s inconsistent performances under a new captain. If these teams do not rectify their mistakes soon, they could be at serious risk of missing out on the playoffs. With a 10-team format, competition is tough, leaving little room for slow starts. If MI and CSK do not turn things around immediately, their chances of securing a playoff berth will decline significantly.