Despite this dismal record in opening matches, MI has demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the tournament. They have secured the IPL trophy five times, proving that early setbacks do not necessarily dictate the overall outcome of their season. The team’s ability to bounce back after initial defeats highlights their tenacity and competitive spirit.
Here’s a summary of MI’s opening match results since 2013:
- 2013: Lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by 2 runs.
- 2014: Lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by 41 runs.
- 2015: Lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets.
- 2016: Lost to Rising Pune Supergiant by 9 wickets.
- 2017: Lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by 35 runs.
- 2018: Lost to Chennai Super Kings by 1 wicket.
- 2019: Lost to Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets.
- 2020: Lost to Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets.
- 2021: Lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by 2 wickets.
- 2022: Lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by 6 wickets.
- 2023: Lost to Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets.
- 2024: Did not play (the season opener was between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore).
- 2025: Lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match, marking their 13th consecutive loss in opening games since 2013.
Despite this troubling pattern in opening matches, MI has achieved significant success overall in the IPL, winning the championship five times. Their ability to rebound from poor starts demonstrates their resilience and competitive spirit. As they head into future seasons, fans remain hopeful that this jinx will be broken, allowing MI to start their campaigns on a stronger note.
