Even though I prefer not to predict anything in cricket, given the unpredictable nature of the game, but still, there are some things which are more likely to happen in this game. Today, I will try to predict the winner of this edition of IPL. And I will bet my money on Mumbai Indians. Its because of the following reasons:
Batting Order: Their batting order consists of decorated international batsmen like Rohit Sharma (S.R 131.4), Keiron Pollard (S.R 148.60), Hardik Pandya (S.R 155.1) and Quniton de Kock (S.R 134.16). Not only them, they have very interesting local talent like Ishan Kishan and Saurabh Tiwari who can hit the ball at their will. These batsmen not only can play long innings, but also smash boundaries at their will to increase the run rate.
Bowling Lineup: Their bowling line up consists of some very economical and wicket taking bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya and James Pattinson who not only can take wickets but also dry up the run rate of other team. In addition to that, they have Keiron Pollard and Krunal Pandya who can bowl middle overs economically and pick some wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult can bowl Yorkers at will in death overs to deny any team any momentum during the end of innings.
Fielding: This team has got some very quick outfielders like Hardik Pandya, Keiron Pollard, Rohit Sharma among others who hardly drop any catches and save many runs by their good fielding.
Experience of playing under pressure: The team is a good blend of experience and youth. Players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Keiron Pollard, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah have a very good experience of playing at international level. These players know how to play under pressure situations and not crumble under it.
Experience of playing in Finals: Mumbai Indians have won the Indian Premier League 4 times, that’s the highest by any team in the history of IPL. They have been the runner up only one time (in 2010). That means, they have winning percentage of 80% in the finals. They surely know how to play in the big matches like semifinals and finals.
Great start to this year IPL: As on today (05/10/2020), they are at the top of the points table. They have won 3 out of their five matches. Also, their net run rate is very impressive. Remember in IPL 2015, they lost 5 out of their 6 matches in the beginning. But still they went on to win the IPL where they defeated the mighty Chennai Super Kings by 41 runs. If even after getting such a poor start in IPL 15 they went on to win the IPL, so most probably they will this time also given their standing at the points table.
Players in Form: This year, most of their key players are in form. Rohit Sharma has scored 176 runs, whereas Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult have picked up 7 and 8 wickets respectively so far. Both Keiron Pollard and Hardik Pandya are hitting the ball well. And not to forget Ishan Kishan, who played a brilliant innings of 99 against Royal Challengers Banglore.