5 things Mumbai Indians have done right this year to turn their season around
After back-to-back losses in their first four Indian Premier League (IPL) opening matches, Mumbai Indians (MI) collapsed helplessly. But soon after, a sudden transient rush in MI’s each player was noticed as they won 8 matches out of their last 10 league games to comfortably book their place in the playoffs.
Then they met table-toppers Chennai Super Kings in the qualifiers and thrashed them to become the first team to progress into the IPL 8 finals. Now people are shocked seeing Mumbai's surge and they are all left with one simple question that how did this happen? Especially the opponent's fans. And to answer that query, we have listed out 5 things which the paltan did to turn their season around.
Here are the five sparks that turnaround the MI season:
1. Lasith Malinga and Mitchel McClenaghan
MI wanted Lasith Malinga to fire, but his 4 overs alone were not enough.He needed solid support from the other end and Mitchell McClenaghan who came in as a replacement for Aaron Finch, provided that support.
McClenaghan's aggressive bowling with Malinga's toe-crusher deliveries have made them one of IPL 8's most lethal bowling pairs.They have 37 wickets combined to their name from 15 matches and are ready for the final showdown.
2. Hardik Pandya and Jagadeesha Suchit
MI's bowling got some spin support in the name of Jagadeesha Suchith. Suchith's left-arm orthodox deliveries deceived many batsmen at crucial points during many matches. He has 10 wickets to his name from 12 matches.
Hardik Pandya became MI's hero after the knock against the Chennai Super Kings in a crucial match where he came and smashed 3 huge sixes in the end to turn the match towards Mumbai's side. He was adjudged Man of the Match then for his quick batting blows and good fielding efforts with 3 catches.
Pandya again played a crucial part in the do-or-die match against the Kolkata Knight Riders when his 61 off 31 balls helped MI set a defendable target against KKR's strong batting line-up.
Both players have surprised their opponents with their smart play and this is one important reason behind MI strong comeback.