As the race to the IPL 2025 final heats up, the Mumbai Indians (MI) face an unexpected hurdle — not from their opponents, but from the weather and tournament rules. With the Eliminator match against Gujarat Titans (GT) set to be played in Mullanpur, potential rain and the absence of a reserve day have placed MI in a vulnerable position. In the most recent playoff clash, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 106 runs and 8 wickets, securing a direct berth in the IPL 2025 final. Now, MI and GT will battle in the Eliminator, with the winner advancing to Qualifier 2 to face PBKS for a spot in the final against RCB. However, weather forecasts predict overcast conditions in Mullanpur on the day of the Eliminator. If rain delays or forces a cancellation of the match, it could spell disaster for Mumbai Indians.
Currently, Gujarat Titans sit third on the points table with 18 points, while Mumbai Indians are fourth with 16 points. According to IPL regulations, the Eliminator does not have a reserve day. If the match is abandoned or canceled due to weather or other circumstances, the team with the higher points will automatically advance to the next round. This rule heavily favors the Gujarat Titans. In the event of a washout, GT would move to Qualifier 2, while MI would be knocked out of the tournament — a cruel twist for a team chasing a record-extending title run.
For the Mumbai Indians, this looming threat adds to what some fans have dubbed a period of “Sade Sati” — a tough luck phase. Despite a strong comeback in the second half of the season, a rain-affected or canceled Eliminator could abruptly end their IPL 2025 campaign without a fair fight on the field. As the teams gear up for the high-stakes Eliminator, all eyes will not only be on the players — but also on the skies.