The five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, will play the Eliminator in Mullanpur as a result of finishing in fourth place after losing their final league game in the Indian Premier League 2025 against the Punjab Kings.
MI made a remarkable comeback in the season after winning only one out of their first five games, but qualified for the playoffs after knocking Delhi Capitals (DC) in a virtual do-or-die clash.
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The Hardik Pandya-led side have previously won the tournament after losing all of their first five matches as well. With a number of star performers in both their batting and bowling, they will remain confident of their chances.
In this article, TSN explores their chances of winning the IPL 2025 title after playing the eliminator and also checks their previous year record in the playoff knockouts.
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What is MI's record in IPL Eliminator matches?
MI has played the Eliminator matches on four occasions after finishing third or fourth on the table after the league stage. They have won two and lost two of those matches.
Notably, both their Eliminator losses came against their arch-rivals, Chennai Super Kings.
| Season | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | KKR | MI won by 4 wickets | Wankhede |
| 2012 | CSK | MI lost by 38 runs | Bengaluru |
| 2014 | CSK | MI lost by 7 wickets | Brabourne |
| 2023 | LSG | MI won by 81 runs | Chennai |
Note: Eliminators were introduced in 2011 — the top 4 played the semi-final and final format from 2008-10.
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Can MI still win the title in 2025?
Despite winning five trophies, MI has never won the IPL when they have finished outside the top 2. However, with the calibre the men in blue have, they cannot be ruled out of the tournament despite the tough road ahead.
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They will have to win three matches in a row from hereon if they need to end the season with a sixth IPL trophy.
Have MI ever won after finishing outside the top 2?
MI has finished outside the top two in 11 seasons previously and have not reached any of those finals despite winning the eliminators on two occasions.
If they win the 2025 season, it will be their first ever title win from outside top-2.
Following is their record in the seasons where they have finished outside the top-2:
| Season | League finish | Season finish |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5th | 5th |
| 2009 | 7th | 7th |
| 2011 | 3rd | 3rd (Lost the Qualifier 2) |
| 2012 | 4th | 4th (Lost the Eliminator) |
| 2014 | 4th | 4th (Lost the Eliminator) |
| 2016 | 5th | 5th |
| 2018 | 5th | 5th |
| 2021 | 5th | 5th |
| 2022 | 10th | 10th |
| 2023 | 4th | 3rd (Lost the Qualifier 2) |
| 2024 | 10th | 10th |