The Mumbai Indians, one of the Indian Premier League’s most successful franchises, added another unwanted record to their name on Sunday after losing their IPL 2025 season opener to Chennai Super Kings by four wickets at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Key Highlights:
This marks the 13th consecutive year that Mumbai Indians have lost their first match of the season, with their last opening-game victory dating back to 2012 — ironically also against Chennai Super Kings.
A Streak of First-Match Defeats (2013–2025)
Here’s a year-wise breakdown of MIs’ opening match losses over the past 13 IPL seasons:
| Year | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Chennai Super Kings | Lost by 4 wickets | Chennai |
| 2024 | Gujarat Titans | Lost by 6 runs | Ahmedabad |
| 2023 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Lost by 8 wickets | Bengaluru |
| 2022 | Delhi Capitals | Lost by 4 wickets | Brabourne |
| 2021 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Lost by 2 wickets | Chennai |
| 2020 | Chennai Super Kings | Lost by 5 wickets | Abu Dhabi |
| 2019 | Delhi Capitals | Lost by 37 runs | Wankhede |
| 2018 | Chennai Super Kings | Lost by 1 wicket | Wankhede |
| 2017 | Rising Pune Supergiant | Lost by 7 wickets | Pune |
| 2016 | Rising Pune Supergiants | Lost by 9 wickets | Wankhede |
| 2015 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Lost by 7 wickets | Eden Gardens |
| 2014 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Lost by 41 runs | Abu Dhabi |
| 2013 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Lost by 2 runs | Bengaluru |
Despite being five-time IPL champions, this recurring trend of losing their first match has been a statistical anomaly for a team known for its strong comebacks during the season.
The 2025 Match Recap
In their season opener, Mumbai Indians were unable to defend their total against a disciplined CSK batting lineup. Key contributions from CSK’s middle order ensured the chase was completed with four wickets in hand, even as MI’s bowlers struggled to break partnerships at crucial moments.
The result continues a decade-long pattern of slow starts for MI, who, despite poor beginnings, have often managed to recover and perform deep into the tournament.
The MIs’ 13th straight opening match loss in the IPL 2025 not only highlights a surprising consistency in early-season struggles but also sets the stage for what fans hope will be another comeback campaign. Whether they can once again bounce back remains to be seen.
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