Hardik Pandya's Tactics And? 3 Huge Problems That Could Eliminate MI From IPL 2025

MI faced a last-ball defeat vs GT [Source: @iplt20.com]

Mumbai Indians may have five IPL trophies in their cabinet but even the most decorated team can find itself walking a tightrope. After a nail-biter loss to Gujarat Titans in a rain-hit thriller at Wankhede, MI are still in the race for the playoffs but only just.

With 14 points from 12 games, they control their own fate but there are a few cracks that could send their campaign off the rails if not fixed quickly.

Let’s break down three things that could pull the rug out from under Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 title charge.

1. Too Much Weight On Bumrah’s Shoulders

If there is one thing you can bet your house on, it is Jasprit Bumrah showing up. He has been MI’s go-to guy, their problem-solver, their pressure-absorber, all rolled into one. But the problem? He is being overworked while others around him aren’t pulling their weight.

Opposition batters are playing Bumrah out, knowing the real feast lies at the other end. Deepak Chahar, who has picked up 10 wickets in 12 games, is leaking runs at 9.31 per over. Against Gujarat Titans, Jasprit Bumrah nearly turned the game on its head but Chahar had 15 to defend in the final over and completely lost the plot with no balls, freebies and a truckload of pressure that he couldn’t handle.

Table - Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar & Hardik Pandya IPL 2025 Stats So Far

Skipper Hardik Pandya has 13 wickets from 11 games but is also conceding at 9.17. That is a red flag. Bumrah builds pressure, and others just let the steam out. If this pattern sticks, MI might find themselves watching the playoffs from the couch.

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2. Inconsistent Finishing

MI’s top order has done the heavy lifting this season. Rohit, Rickelton, Will Jacks, and Suryakumar Yadav have chipped in regularly, setting things up nicely. But when the going gets tough, the middle order hasn’t really gotten going.

Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, and even Hardik Pandya haven’t delivered the late fireworks expected of them. They have shown flashes, yes, but flashes don’t win you titles, consistency does. In close games or pressure chases, this flaky finishing could be the difference between staying alive or being knocked out.

Table - Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya & Naman Dhir IPL 2025 Stats So Far

If the top order collapses and let’s face it, it will happen at some point, the question is: can the middle order stand tall or will they crumble like a house of cards?

3. Hardik Pandya's Tactics

Here is something that hasn’t been talked about enough: Hardik Pandya’s captaincy decisions. While he has shown courage and clarity at times, there have been moments this season where his bowling changes and field placements have raised eyebrows.

Against GT, for instance, the decision to give Chahar the final over backfired big time. Why not back himself when Bumrah had just turned the game. He has bowled in crunch moments in the past and changed games.

Moreover, the constant chopping and changing, especially in the batting order hasn’t helped either. One match it’s Naman Dhir walking in at No. 3, next match it's Will Jacks. The lack of stability is showing and in high-pressure knockout games, this kind of inconsistency in tactics can be fatal.

Conclusion

Mumbai Indians are still very much in the hunt, but their path to the playoffs isn’t without potholes. Bumrah can’t do it all. The middle order needs to find its bite. And the captain needs to trust his instincts and stop overthinking. Otherwise, even with all that firepower, MI’s IPL 2025 campaign could go from dream to disaster just like that.

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