Mumbai: Mumbai Indians’ journey towards the play-offs has been rocky but a solid show against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday make them strong contenders. Here’s why they can pull off a victory against Chennai.
Mitchell McClenaghan’s form
The bowler’s inclusion in the team worked wonders. After losing four matches on the trot, McClenaghan turned the tide for Mumbai against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium. He has troubled every opponent with his variations. With 14 wickets in 10 matches, he has been a class apart.
Inclusion of Alex Hales
(Photo: AFP)
Corey Anderson’s replacement, Alex Hales, is known as a maverick when it comes to T20 cricket. Before leaving for Mumbai, Hales – for Nottinghamshire County in the Natwest T20 blast – slammed 6 sixes in six balls.
An all-rounder in Pandya
The more the tournament went towards its business end, more and more domestic cricketers rose up to the occasion. Hardik Pandya is one of them. He single-handedly won two matches for Mumbai – one by hitting three sixes against Chennai and the other, with a handsome half-century against Kolkata Knight Riders.
No Brendon McCullum
The Kiwi has left for national duty, leaving a huge void in the Chennai batting line-up. Even coach Stephen Fleming agreed and said that it is a difficult away game with Baz not being around.
Kieron Pollard’s tricks
He is an intelligent T20 brain. Without bowling a single over, he decided to bowl the over that mattered the most against Kolkata and won the match for Mumbai. Known as a big-hitter, he played the role of an anchor when Pandya went for the aerial route, an asset to any team.
* (Photos: BCCI)
