Updated: November 7, 2020 3:43:03 pm
The Mumbai Indians have reached the final of the IPL, to be played on November 10 (PTI Photo / Sportzpics for BCCI)
On Thursday (November 5), Mumbai Indians decimated the capitals of Delhi to reach the final of the IPL. Regardless of the outcome in the title match, they will end their campaign as the most consistent team in the tournament, with nine victories in 14 group league matches. Here’s why MI has been so dominant.
How good is the Mumbai Indians hitting?
MI has arguably the most comprehensive hitting unit in the IPL. Kock’s starter Quinton has scored 483 runs in 15 games.
They have two middle order hitters, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, to make the list of the top 10 racing players in the tournament. The only other middle-order hitter on that list is Virat Kohli.
Yadav has scored 461 runs in 15 games, while Kishan has 483 runs in 13 games. They both have a strike rate north of 140.
Add to that the batting firepower of MI’s death. In Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard they have the top two finalists in T20 cricket. Pandya’s strike rate this season is over 182. Pollard has been going over 190.
IM’s game against DC in Qualifier 1 showcased the defending champions’ ability to turn things around with their deadly hitting. After 17 overs, it was 145/5. Then Pandya scored a 37 of 14 balls that was not out, and MI finished at 200/5.
What about bowling for the Mumbai Indians?
Together, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult have represented 49 scalps at this IPL. Leg spinner Rahul Chahar has contributed 15 wickets. Even backup closer James Pattinson, who came on the team as a replacement for Lasith Malinga, has taken 11 wickets in 10 games.
No bowler on the MI team has a double digit economy rate. MI bowlers have had an impact on Powerplays. In Qualifier 1, Boult’s double wicket maiden took the life of the DC chase on the first change.📣 Express Explained is now on Telegram
Jasprit Bumrah celebrates Delhi Capitals’ Daniel Sams wicket during the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 1 match, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday, November 5, 2020 (PTI Photo / Sportzpics).
How big has Bumrah’s impact been at IPL 2020?
A tally of 27 wickets in 14 games at an economy rate of 6.71 is proof of its impact. He has represented 10 scalps in the last three games, giving away just 45 runs. But more than the amount of land he’s taken over, it’s been about how Bumrah has impacted the games with his contributions.
For example, in the second leg against Kings XI Punjab, he fired Mayank Agarwal in advance, edged out a dangerous-looking Nicholas Pooran in the middle and castled KL Rahul to his death to take the game to the Super. Finished.
KXIP won the game in the Super Over okay, but Bumrah’s bowling had delayed things for ME from a seemingly impossible situation.
In games where Bumrah was looking for careers, his team seemed uncomfortable. MI’s second leg against Rajasthan Royals was a case in point, where Royals chased 196 for victory.
Bumrah went wicketless in that game, conceding 38 runs of his four overs.
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Surya Kumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians plays a shot in Abu Dhabi, Wednesday October 28, 2020 (PTI Photo / Sportzpics for BCCI)
What about MI’s auction strategy?
Without a doubt, one of the reasons for MI’s success is stability. Nine players who had appeared in last year’s final against Chennai Super Kings showed up to play in Qualifier 1 this year against DC.
The team management has a clear strategy: retain the core group and bring in players who can improve the team.
Last year, during the negotiation window, they brought Boult from DC. MI management wanted an update on Mitchell McClenaghan in the left arm rhythm department. At the auction, MI spent Rs 11.1 crore to buy six players, of which Rs 8 crore was disbursed for the Australian off-roader Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Mumbai Indians (MI) players Rahul Chahar and Nathan Coulter-Nile celebrate after winning the match against Delhi Capitals during the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, on Saturday, October 31, 2020 (PTI Photo). / Sportzpics for BCCI)
So does MI have any weaknesses?
Apparently none.
But Rohit Sharma’s fitness and form appear to be a concern. After missing four games due to a hamstring injury, Rohit again led the team, but came out cheaply against SRH, before being eliminated by a golden duck in Qualifier 1. Rohit, in fact, he has six single-digit scores in 11 games. .
Coulter-Nile missed the opening matches of the tournament due to lateral strain, and has not touched his straps well, having only won three wickets out of six matches and with an economy rate of eight or more.
Boult reportedly suffered a groin injury during Qualifier 1.
MI delights in dominating her opponents. It would be interesting to see how they react if their opponents in the final attack them.
Ambati Rayudu for Chennai Super Kings in the opening of the tournament, and Ben Stokes and David Warner for Rajasthan Royals and SRH respectively in their return matches managed to dominate IM by launching counterattacks.
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