Mumbai Indians (MI) squandered a golden opportunity to go to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) Points Table after their narrow three-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 06 at the Wankhede Stadium. MI failed to defend 15 runs in the last over, as GT batters Rahul Tewatia and Arshad Khan held their nerves to get over the line and enable a last-ball win against the five-time IPL champion side. On account of this loss, MI slipped to fourth on the points table. With only two matches to go, former cricketer Anil Kumble has given a huge warning to Hardik Pandya & Co.
MI will next play their two games against PBKS and DC on May 11 and 15, respectively. A win against both opponents will help them go to 18 points on the points table, which should be enough to seal a playoff spot. However, only one win will ensure MI finishes on 16 points, which could not be enough considering other teams can also finish on the same points.
“18 points should secure a playoff spot. GT needs to win just one of their remaining three to get there. For Mumbai, they must win both upcoming games. At 16 points, things can get tricky — you don’t want to rely on other teams’ results. From winning six in a row to losing today, MI won’t want to take it to the wire. Winning both games is a must to control their destiny," said Kumble on JioHotstar.
Last over hitting sealed the deal for GT - Anil Kumble
With 15 runs required in the last over, the odds were against MI. GT had hitters in Tewatia and Gerald Coetzee at the crease. The latter tilted the match in favor of GT by smashing a huge six off Deepak Chahar.
“The last over sealed the deal. As a bowler in that situation, your primary thought is not to concede a boundary. With the dew and low bounce, it became even easier for GT.
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“When you have two batters who can clear the ropes and a mindset like Coetzee’s — he said post-match, ‘see ball, hit ball’ — it’s tough to stop. It was an outstanding game of cricket — after 38 overs, it all came down to that one over. Both teams had to reset multiple times due to interruptions, and in the end, GT held their nerve," said Kumble.
On account of this win against MI, GT now have 16 points from 11 games. Another win, and they should be through to the playoffs.
