IPL 2020: Why Mumbai Indians can retain title
Mumbai Indians won their inaugural title in 2013. They have won all their four titles under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.
FollowFour-time defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are the undisputed kings of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As the 13th edition of the tournament kicks off from Saturday, the Rohit Sharma-led side are looking to become the second team after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to successfully defend their title.
Fans are well aware of the unique fact that MI have won the title every alternate odd year. However, it could all change this season, as we analyse some strong reasons for the same.
Experienced pace attack
MI's bowling attack is one of the most experienced and penetrating in the tournament. The attack is headlined by Indian speargun Jasprit Bumrah, who needs no introduction. Besides, the likes of Trent Boult, James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Mitchell McClenaghan are ready and waiting to add an extra advantage to their vintage pace attack, along with all-rounders like Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya. The absence of Lasith Malinga hardly makes a difference.
Smart shopping in the auction
MI is also known for its sound shopping tactics during the auction. While they brought in Boult and Coulter-Nile to strengthen their bowling attack, they did the same for their already invincible batting line-up, by bringing in the likes of Chris Lynn and Sherfane Rutherford. Experienced veteran Saurabh Tiwary, too, joins the squad again, who can act as a supporting bar in the already invulnerable batting line-up.
The side is also known for springing in surprises with their uncapped players, as the likes of Mohsin Khan and Digvijay Deshmukh, too, are likely to grab eyeballs.
Also read:Â IPL 2020: Teams draw big sponsors despite COVID-19 financial crisis
Exquisite team combination and a cohesive unit
As we talk about experienced players, along with some young guns, the team has an unusual tendency to click as a unit. The characteristic of the team's management and senior players to support the youngsters, followed by the ability of the rookies to execute the plans properly, has allowed the team to gel well together. This has further allowed skipper Rohit to pick the right combination that mostly succeeds as a cohesive unit.
Strong middle-order
As for MI's openers, Rohit, along with Chris Lynn, would have a task at hand. However, failing to do so would barely have any impact, as the side possesses a highly stable middle-order, comprising the likes of wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, along with Pollard, Pandya and Krunal Pandya, thus making the side capable of scoring a plethora of runs.
