Akash Ambani addressed players after Mumbai Indians crashed out of IPL 2025. Photo: Screenshot
Mumbai Indians (MI) failed to qualify for the final of the fifth consecutive IPL season and crashed out after losing to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the second qualifier on Sunday (June 1). Asked to bat first, the Hardik Pandya-led side registered a big total of 203/6 on the board. MI's bowlers did get two early wickets in the powerplay but PBKS were never out of contention.
Courtesy of Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, PBKS completed the chase in 19 overs at the loss of 5 wickets. Following the defeat, MI owner Akash Ambani visited the dressing room and addressed the players.
"The last thing that I want to leave you with it's actually one of my dad's quotes that situations and circumstances like this can either make two choices, right: Becoming a bitter person or becoming a better person. And better person applies to each and everyone individually of what it takes skills wise, mentality wise, team spirit wise," Akash said.
"I am sure as hell and it is certain no one should take whatever is lost bitterly. We should take it better and understand what it takes. What it takes to be a champion of the IPL. Wishing you all the best for the upcoming nine months to be. See you guys soon and thank you for everything."
Hardik Pandya-led MI struggled at the start of IPL 2025 and only managed to win one out of their first 5 matches. They bounced back from the sixth game and finished in fourth place in the points table with 8 wins from 14 matches.
MI also had an opportunity to finish in the top 2 but they lost their last league stage match against PBKS. The same team quashed MI's hopes of making it to the final. The five-time IPL Champions defeated Gujarat Titans in the must-win eliminator on May 30.
PBKS and RCB will meet in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday (June 1). Both teams have never won the elusive title despite being part of the tournament since its inception.
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