MUMBAI: The IPL 2020 which got underway with the first match between defending champion Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi on September 19 is likely to spring a few surprises.
In 12 editions of the Indian Premier League, Mumbai Indians have been the most successful IPL franchise having won the championship four times. MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings have had three title wins. Kolkata Knight Riders have registered two IPL title wins followed by the two titles of the Hyderabad franchisees Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rajasthan Royals won a lone title, the inaugural edition in 2008.
Like in the previous IPL editions, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the Mumbai Indians (MI), the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are the usual favourites as the league begins, with the other four teams expected to put up impressive performances to challenge the top contenders. However this time, all the teams participating in the IPL 2020 will fancy their chances.
Delhi Capitals with Shreyas Iyer at the helm in particular has caught everybody’s attention with its balanced performance in the matches played so far. Kings XI Punjab is yet to find its feet in the tournament, but with players like KL Rahul, Mayank Aggarwal, Gayle and Maxwell in its ranks they are expected to bounce back.
The Indian players hardly got to practice for almost five months because of coronavirus pandemic. While our players have not had a decent hit for about five months due to the coronavirus pandemic, those from England, West Indies and Australia played some international matches during this period. Even players from England, West Indies and Australia have had some form of international practice. However, players from New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were also deprived of match practice as they remained off the field during this period.
All the players of the Mumbai Indians are in great form and seem ready to essay great performances.
They have a good start with promising players in the top order. Skipper Rohit Sharma look to be in fine touch. Good finishing skills by Hardik Pandya, Pollard and Kunal are likely to stand them in good stead.
Bowling seam attack is spot on with Bumrah, Pattinson and Boult raring to have a go at the opposition batsmen. Spinners in the team are expected to chip in with wickets and are also capable of choking the opposition with tight bowling. Overall it is the most complete team and is performing as expected in this edition.
Though still early days in the tournament but they have won trophies earlier so they know how to progress and find a spot in the last four.
There are still no odds for who takes the Indian IPL Trophy among the gambling sites in India, but it shouldn’t be long until they start to show up. Once the odds are live, we recommend you have a look what they predict, since they have many professionals trying to get the odds right, to avoid big losses if the favorite team takes home the price.