Uncover why fans question Mumbai Indians’ IPL victories amid ownership perks, fixing rumours, and lucky breaks in 2025.

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Hey cricket enthusiasts!

If you have been following the IPL like I have, you know Mumbai Indians (MI) are the stuff of legends five titles and a reputation for pulling off miracles.

However, lately, especially after IPL 2025, where they made a dramatic comeback but crashed out in the qualifiers against Punjab Kings, fans are buzzing with doubts.

It is not just rivals’ sour grapes; there is real chatter about whether their successes are always on the level.

As someone who has watched every twist and turn, we will break it down in this post.

We will look at the top reasons behind the scepticism, backed by fresh insights from the season.

Stick around for some tips on enjoying the game without the drama, and a fun trivia nugget to boot.

1. Ownership Influence: Does Big Money Bend The Rules?

It is no secret that MI is backed by Mukesh Ambani’s massive Reliance empire, which gives it a huge edge in talent scouting and resources.

However, fans often wonder if this clout spills over into umpiring calls or league favours.

In IPL 2025, there were heated debates over stumping decisions, like Abishek Porel’s controversial out against Delhi Capitals, and run-out calls that seemed to swing MI’s way.

Social media lit up with accusations of “Ambani magic” making the difference in tight spots.

To make sense of it, here is a quick table of key ownership-related gripes from recent seasons:

Season	Controversy	Reaction
IPL 2023	Scheduling perks for home games	“MI always gets the easy slots!”
IPL 2024	Auction spending sprees	“They buy wins, not earn them.”
IPL 2025	Umpiring in MI vs DC match	“Biased calls saved them again.”

Pro Tip: Next time you are watching, track decisions with apps like Cricbuzz. It helps spot patterns and keeps things fair in your mind.

2. Fixing Allegations: Are Matches Really Scripted?

The IPL has had its dark moments with past scandals, and MI’s dramatic wins keep the fixing whispers alive.

In 2025, things got wild.

Fans accused MI of cheating after Josh Inglis’ wicket in the qualifier against PBKS, and even an ex-Pakistan player hinted at match-fixing over Ishan Kishan’s bizarre dismissal.

Ball-tampering claims surfaced, too, like in the CSK vs.

MI game, where Ruturaj Gaikwad and Khaleel Ahmed were spotted exchanging something suspicious.

Check out this table summarising major fixing buzz in IPL 2025:

Match	Allegation	Outcome
MI vs PBKS Qualifier	Fixing after Inglis’ dismissal	MI advanced but lost faith from fans
MI vs CSK	Ball tampering video goes viral	No official action, but online outrage
MI vs DC	Stumping and wide call controversies	Debates over umpiring integrity

Pro Tip: Stay sceptical but informed. Follow official BCCI updates to separate rumours from reality. It makes the game more thrilling without the paranoia.

3. Unbelievable Luck: Why Do They Always Escape?

MI is known for insane turnarounds, like starting IPL 2025 with just one win in five games, then rattling off seven in the next eight to make the playoffs.

Critics, including pros like Ravichandran Ashwin, say it is “too lucky,” pointing to hat-trick run-outs or timely wickets that feel scripted.

They did not beat any top-four teams.

In the league stage, losses to GT, RCB, and PBKS piled up, yet they surged when it mattered, only to falter in the end.

Here is a table comparing MI’s luck factor across phases:

Phase	Wins/Losses	Moment
First 5 Games	1W/4L	Rare escapes, heavy reliance on stars
Last 8 Games	7W/1L	Dramatic comebacks in middle overs
Playoffs	Qualified but out	Failed against top sides again

Pro Tip: Embrace the unpredictability! Bet on underdogs in your fantasy league. Sometimes, it adds spice and reminds us that cricket is about skill and a dash of fortune.

4. Star Dependency: Masking Team Weaknesses?

With no title in the last five seasons ending June 2025, fans are rethinking MI’s past dominance.

They lean hard on Bumrah’s bowling wizardry, Suryakumar Yadav’s fireworks, and Hardik Pandya’s all-round flair, but cracks showed weak spinners, inconsistent openers, and over-input from the dugout.

Coach Mahela Jayawardene urged more ruthlessness, but dependency on a few big names makes wins feel less like team effort and more hero-dependent.

Table of MI’s key player issues in 2025:

Player	Strength	Weakness
Jasprit Bumrah	GOAT-level death bowling	Overused, leading to fatigue
Suryakumar Yadav	Explosive batting	Due for a dip; team crumbles without him
Hardik Pandya	Leadership and finishing	Ban in opener hurt momentum

Pro Tip: Create your own “what-if” scenarios, imagine MI without Bumrah. This will highlight why balanced squads win long-term, like in other sports.