‘If Mumbai Indians don’t win then...’ – Harbhajan Singh reveals why the five-time champions are favorites to win IPL 2025

Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 100 runs to move one step closer to the IPL 2025 playoff spot. MI are now top of the table with 14 points from 11 games with a very healthy run rate. The five-time champions have to win at least one game out of the final matches left in the season to confirm their place in the playoffs. 

Former India and IPL legendary cricketer Harbhajan Singh spent seasons playing for the Mumbai Indians in the league. The 44-year-old won three IPL titles and two Champions League titles for the Men in Blue and Gold. It was under Harbhajan Singh that MI won their first title in 2011 when they won the Champions League. 

Speaking about his former side during the post-game on the host broadcasting channel, Harbhajan Singh said, “If the Mumbai Indians don’t win the IPL trophy this year, other franchises also don’t deserve to lift the trophy. I don’t want to count Jasprit Bumrah, as when he comes back, he is like a Bahubali. They have Boult, Chahar, Will Jacks, Hardik, Karn and Corbin Bosch as the bowling options.”

The 44-year-old also went on to add, “They have the team that can win the tournament, and this is their year. Nobody will be able to catch them, and I am sure they will lift the trophy for the sixth time.” After his spell with MI ended in 2017, Harbhajan went on to play for Chennai Super Kings before ending his career with Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Pragyan Ojha reveals his admiration for MI’s resurgence 

In the same post-match analysis show on the host broadcasting channel, Harbhajan Singh revealed the reason behind MI’s resurgence in the IPL. In 2024, Mumbai finished bottom of the table with just four wins from 14 games. The last time MI won a title was in 2020 and they have made the playoffs just once in 2023 since then. 

Harbhajan was heard saying, “There are 11 match-winners in their playing XI. They are the five-time champions and bring top-class players to the team. After three ordinary seasons, Mumbai have returned to winning ways after working out on their weaknesses.”

Pragyan Ojha, who played for a few seasons in the IPL for the franchise, was heard saying, “Mumbai Indians don’t allow the rivals to breathe when they are in form. Other franchises don’t want to play against them. All the bowlers took a wicket in their first over, and that shows the confidence of the side.”