India, May 22 -- When the Mumbai Indians stumbled to four defeats in their opening five games, few believed they'd pose a challenge for the playoffs. On Wednesday, however, with a 59-run hammering of Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, the five-time champions sealed the final playoff spot in style, making the improbable seem inevitable once again.

The early signs were grim. Hardik Pandya may have had a redemption arc in Indian colours after a horrid last IPL season, but leading the side with a rich legacy like MI was always a challenge. Add to it a misfiring batting unit and a bowling attack searching for rhythm, and MI were a shadow of their glory days. But even as losses piled up, there was a flicker of fight.

That spark ignited durin...