Third Title Win in 2017

Lore & Background

The 2017 season was not without its struggles; Mumbai Indians had a slow start to the league stage but rallied under pressure to secure their place in the playoffs. The path to the final featured a loss to Rising Pune Supergiant in Qualifier 1, forcing them into Qualifier 2 where they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad to book their spot in the grand finale.

The final itself was a masterclass in tension and tactical brilliance. Batting first, Mumbai Indians posted a modest total of 129/8 before Rising Pune Supergiant chased valiantly, reaching 128/8. In response, RPS needed six runs off the final delivery to win, but Ben Stokes was caught by Rohit Sharma off Hardik Pandya's bowling in the 16th over, sealing a one-run victory that sent the city of Mumbai into raptures.

In Their Own Story

The stadium in Hyderabad held its breath as the final ball approached. The scoreboard read 129/6; six runs were needed for victory, and the bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, had already conceded just enough to keep hope alive but not enough to seal it. Krunal Pandya stood at the non-striker's end, his eyes locked on the stumps. The crowd roared as Stokes took a single, leaving Mumbai Indians needing one run off the last ball to retain their title. But fate had other plans; a frantic scramble saw Stokes run out by a direct hit from Ishan Kishan. The roar that erupted was not just for a win, but for survival against impossible odds.

Reader's Guide

The 2017 season represents the 'Resilience Era' of Mumbai Indians, defined by their ability to overcome adversity and deliver under extreme pressure. After a shaky start in the league stage, the team demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude, winning crucial matches in the playoffs to reach the final. This period solidified the core identity of the franchise: never counting themselves out until the very last ball.

What defined this era was not just the talent on paper, but the collective spirit that emerged when the odds were stacked against them. The victory was sealed by a combination of strategic bowling changes, gritty batting performances from middle-order players like Krunal Pandya, and the leadership of Rohit Sharma, who remained calm amidst the chaos.

This chapter matters deeply to the club's identity because it proved that Mumbai Indians could win even when not playing their best cricket throughout the season. It highlighted the importance of depth in the squad and the ability to adapt to high-pressure situations, setting a precedent for future victories. The 2017 title is often cited as one of the most exciting finals in IPL history, showcasing the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the enduring spirit of the Mumbai Indians.

Did You Know?

• This match marked Mumbai Indians' third title, having previously secured championships in 2013 and 2015, while their opponents Rising Pune Supergiant were appearing in their first final.
• Kieron Pollard's unbeaten 41* off 43 balls was a crucial innings, though not the highest individual score by an Indian player in an IPL final (that record belongs to MS Dhoni's 84* in 2015).
• The victory margin of 1 run is tied as the narrowest margin of victory in an IPL final, matching the 2019 contest between Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings.
• Ben Stokes' dismissal was a catch by Rohit Sharma off Hardik Pandya's bowling in the 16th over, not on the final ball of the match, making it one of the most dramatic finishes in cricket history.