Get Newsletter
Notification products, updates
August 20, 2024
The Mumbai Indians are a professional cricket franchise based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Established in 2008, the team is owned by Reliance Industries through its subsidiary Indiawin Sports. The Mumbai Indians play their home matches at the 33,108-capacity Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In 2017, they became the first IPL franchise to surpass a $100 million brand value, maintaining the highest brand value among all IPL teams for four consecutive years, reaching ₹809 crore (roughly $115 million) by 2019.
Mumbai Indians have a remarkable track record, winning their first IPL title in 2013 and securing two Champions League Twenty20 titles in 2011 and 2013. They went on to win additional IPL titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, becoming the first team to claim the championship five times. As of 2023, the team is captained by Hardik Pandya, with Mark Boucher as head coach, Kieron Pollard as batting coach, and Lasith Malinga as bowling coach. Rohit Sharma is the team’s leading run-scorer, while Lasith Malinga holds the record for the most wickets taken.
In September 2007, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the launch of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a Twenty20 cricket competition set to begin in 2008. In January 2008, the BCCI revealed the owners of the eight city-based franchises. The Mumbai franchise was sold to Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) for $111.9 million, making it the most expensive team in the league. Reliance, owned by Mukesh Ambani, secured the rights to the franchise for 10 years.
Before the 2021 IPL auction, the Mumbai Indians released several players, including Mitchell McClenaghan, Sherfane Rutherford, James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, and others. During the auction, they re-signed Nathan Coulter-Nile for ₹50 million. They added new players like Adam Milne, Piyush Chawla, Marco Jansen, and Arjun Tendulkar. Despite their efforts, Mumbai struggled on the slow pitches of Chennai, losing three of their first five matches due to the poor performance of their lower middle order. Though they improved slightly, finishing the season in fifth place, it was below their usual standards.
The 2022 season brought significant changes, including introducing two new teams. Mumbai retained four key players—Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, and Suryakumar Yadav—but notably released Hardik Pandya. In the mega auction, they bought back Ishan Kishan for ₹15.25 crore, the second-highest bid for an Indian player. However, the season was disastrous, with Mumbai losing their first eight matches and finishing last with just four wins. The 2023 season saw a mixed performance, with Jasprit Bumrah out due to injury and Jofra Archer leading the pace attack. Despite a slow start, the team rallied to finish fourth, only to lose to Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. The 2024 season marked the return of Hardik Pandya as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, a move that divided fans. Unfortunately, Mumbai’s performance remained lackluster, finishing last with only four wins.
In 2014, the Mumbai Indians had a challenging start to their IPL campaign, losing five of their matches during the UAE leg. Despite securing a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, their performance could have been better. However, they managed a crucial victory over table-toppers Kings XI Punjab once the tournament moved to India. They secured other wins, though they remained inconsistent. In a dramatic final league match against Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai chased a steep target in 14.3 overs, needing a boundary off the next ball to qualify for the playoffs. Aditya Tare’s six sealed their playoff spot, but they were eliminated by Chennai Super Kings in the eliminator. Their 2014 CLT20 campaign was equally challenging, with a loss to Lahore Lions and a disappointing exit after a defeat to Northern Knights.
The 2015 season marked a turnaround for Mumbai Indians, as they won their second IPL title by defeating Chennai Super Kings by 41 runs. After a poor start with four losses, key contributions from players like Lendl Simmons and Mitchell McClenaghan helped them win nine out of their last ten matches. The 2016 season saw them finish fifth despite new signings like Tim Southee and Jos Buttler. In 2017, they topped the points table. They won their third IPL title by narrowly defeating Rising Pune Supergiant in the final, becoming the most successful team in IPL history.
In 2019, Mumbai Indians claimed their fourth IPL title in a thrilling final against Chennai Super Kings, winning by just one run. Key performances included Hardik Pandya’s explosive 91 against Kolkata Knight Riders and Alzarri Joseph’s record-breaking bowling figures on debut. In 2020, Mumbai defied expectations despite playing in the UAE due to COVID-19. It secured their fifth IPL title, further solidifying their dominance in the league.
The Mumbai Indians’ livery is characterized by its iconic blue and gold color scheme, symbolizing the team’s vibrant and regal identity. The primary blue represents the dynamism and energy of Mumbai. At the same time, the gold accents reflect the franchise’s success and dominance in the IPL. The jersey features a prominent MI logo on the chest, incorporating the Sudarshan Chakra, adding a touch of tradition and strength. Over the years, the design has evolved, with subtle changes in patterns and sponsors. Still, the signature colors remain consistent, making the Mumbai Indians’ livery one of the most recognizable and celebrated in the league.
Mumbai Indians Batters: Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Harvik Desai, N. Tilak Varma, Tim David and Vishnu Vinod
Mumbai Indians All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Arjun Tendulkar, Mohammad Nabi, Romario Shepherd, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Gerald Coetzee, Anshul Kamboj, Naman Dhir, and Shivalik Sharma
Mumbai Indians Bowlers: Kwena Maphaka, JAsprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Luke Wood, Dilshan Madushanka, Shreyas Gopal and Nuwan Thushara
The Mumbai Indians’ primary rivalries in the IPL include intense matchups against the Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders. The rivalry with the Chennai Super Kings, often described as one of the most fierce and historic in the league, is highlighted by frequent clashes in high-stakes matches, including several finals and playoff games. This rivalry is fueled by their consistent performances and past encounters, making their matches highly anticipated and competitive.
The Mumbai Indians also have a notable rivalry with the Kolkata Knight Riders. This rivalry has developed over the years due to both teams frequently being in contention for top spots and their matches often influencing the playoff scenarios. The intense competition and high-profile encounters between these two teams have added a significant edge to their meetings, making them key fixtures in the IPL calendar.
As of IPL 2024, the Mumbai Indians are performing strongly and are currently among the top contenders in the league. With a well-rounded squad, they have secured vital victories that have placed them in the top four of the points table. The team’s consistent performance, bolstered by standout contributions from seasoned players and emerging talent, has kept them in the race for a playoff spot. Their strategic gameplay and effective team management are critical to their successful run this season.