Mumbai Indians, four-time IPL champions and current title holders have brilliantly maintained their dominance in the ongoing IPL 2020 in the UAE, and this season too, they look strong contenders to lift the trophy for the record fifth time having already reached the final in the UAE.
At the moment, Rohit Sharma-led MI topped the points table in the IPL 13, winning 9 off 14 games in the ongoing season and even booked a place for the 10th November’s grand final after thrashing Delhi Capitals in the Qualifier 1. Now, MI will battle for the trophy either with DC or Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Mumbai has been impressive in all departments so far in the IPL 2020 and almost looks unbeatable in the tournament but Gautam Gambhir feels there is a way to beat the defending champions in the final.
Gambhir, former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator and two-time IPL winning KKR captain, believes that if any team wants to beat MI, then they must restrict them to “150-160” saying no team can chase totals above 160 against the strong Mumbai bowling attack.
The former opener also credited Suryakumar Yadav, who has been one of the architects of MI’s campaign with 461 runs, for Mumbai’s successful season so far in the UAE.
Gambhir told ESPNCricinfo, “Unless and until you don’t restrict Mumbai Indians to 150-160. The moment they get to 180, it’s very difficult for any opposition to compete, let alone win. Apart from Ben Stokes’ brilliance, I don’t think any team can chase down 190-plus.”
Praising Surya, he said: “You keep talking about someone anchoring the innings and scoring at a good strike rate. Surya anchors the innings and scores at 130, 135-plus strike rate, which is a great plus for Mumbai Indians. He’s someone who can play through the innings and hurt the opposition.”
He signed off, “Then you know that you have the firepower of Kieron Pollard, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, all these guys can hurt you in the end overs - and you’re No. 3 who is supposed to bat long. What more do you want from your batting line up. I guess that’s why Mumbai is where it is right now.”
(With Hindustan Times inputs)
