Mumbai, India – In the aftermath of Mumbai Indians’ (MI) heartbreaking exit from the IPL 2025 playoffs, co-owner Akash Ambani delivered an emotional and poignant speech to the team, urging them to transform their disappointment into a catalyst for future success. The five-time champions were knocked out in Qualifier 2 by Punjab Kings (PBKS), despite setting a formidable target of 204 runs.
The defeat, which saw PBKS chase down the total with five wickets and an over to spare thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 87 off 41 balls from Shreyas Iyer, marked a fifth consecutive season without an IPL final appearance for MI. The visibly dejected Mumbai Indians dressing room was then addressed by Akash Ambani, whose words resonated deeply with the players.
Drawing inspiration from his father, Mukesh Ambani, Akash emphasized a crucial life lesson: “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.”
He implored the team to not dwell on the loss with bitterness, but rather to use it as a learning experience. “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,” Ambani stated, looking ahead to the next season. “Wishing you all the best for the upcoming nine months to be. See you guys soon and thank you for everything.”
Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster ride. They endured a rocky start, winning only one of their first five matches. However, the team showed resilience, turning their fortunes around mid-season with a strong run that saw them finish fourth in the league stage with eight wins from 14 games. Their playoff journey included a thrilling victory against Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator, before their hopes were dashed by PBKS in Qualifier 2.
Akash Ambani, along with his mother Nita Ambani, is known for his hands-on involvement in the Mumbai Indians franchise, including significant contributions to their auction strategies and overall team management. His heartfelt address, captured on video, quickly went viral, highlighting the strong bond and shared vision within the MI camp, even in moments of defeat.
As PBKS prepares to face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final, Mumbai Indians will now embark on a period of introspection and preparation, aiming to come back stronger in the next edition of the tournament and reclaim their position as one of the most dominant forces in IPL history. Sources
