“MI on a Roll”: Piyush Chawla Sends Warning to IPL Teams After Mumbai’s Fifth Consecutive Win

April 28, 2025: Former India spinner Piyush Chawla has sent a strong message to the other IPL teams, warning them to be wary of the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), who have reignited their playoff hopes with a five-match winning streak. According to Chawla, the resurgence of MI has made them a force to reckon with in the tournament, and the other teams should now be “scared” of their potential.

Mumbai Indians have been on a roll since the return of their pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. The team extended their winning streak to five games with a commanding 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium, bringing them to third place in the standings. Chawla was full of praise for Mumbai’s all-around team performance, which boasts match-winners in all departments.

“If you see the number of match winners Mumbai Indians have in their squad, you start right from the beginning till number 11. Ryan Rickelton, the knock that he played today, we know what Rohit Sharma has done in the last two games,” Chawla said on JioHotstar, acknowledging the depth of talent in the squad. “With the ball, Bumrah dazzled with his classic T20 variations, and Will Jacks played second fiddle with his tight line and lengths,” he added.

Bumrah was once again the star with the ball, taking a brilliant 4/22 to help MI defend a challenging target of 216. His spell destroyed Lucknow’s middle order, leaving the visitors stranded in their chase. Will Jacks also contributed with two important wickets, including that of the dangerous Nicholas Pooran.

Chawla highlighted the remarkable team chemistry, noting how each player has stepped up at crucial moments. “Today, Bumrah with the ball, Will Jacks came in, and he provided those two crucial wickets. So, I think things are falling in place; whatever Hardik is doing, it’s happening for the team, and that’s what this team is all about,” Chawla said.

With players like Bumrah, Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ryan Rickelton all playing key roles in the team’s success, Chawla is confident that MI’s momentum will carry them through to the business end of the season. “You have so many match winners in that playing XI. Today, Jasprit Bumrah came in as an impact player and what impact he has left on the game! So that’s why this team is on a roll, and when Mumbai Indians are on a roll, every other team should be scared of them,” he said.

Mumbai Indians now sit comfortably in the third spot and will be looking to extend their winning streak against the struggling Rajasthan Royals in their upcoming match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Thursday. As the IPL heats up, Mumbai’s resurgence signals that they are a team no one should underestimate, and Chawla’s words serve as a reminder to the rest of the competition: the defending champions are back, and they are coming for the playoffs.