IPL 2018: 4 reasons why Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the playoffs
From the year 2014, the month of April has been a disastrous period for Mumbai Indians. In the meantime, the month of May has been a resurgence period for the three-time Champions.
Having completed the first decade of Indian Premier League as the most successful team in the history of the competition, huge expectations hung over the heads of the Mumbai franchise ahead of the 2018 season.
The same old story unfolded again for the defending Champions in the eleventh season of IPL. However, in this year, Mumbai Indians could not replicate their usual ‘MAYhem’ heroics as they stumbled in the final hurdle.
Mumbai Indians defeat against Delhi Daredevils in the penultimate league match of the ongoing season confirmed their exit in the tournament.
Despite possessing a balanced squad, Mumbai failed to play to their full potential on the field. It is only the fourth time that the Mumbai franchise was unable to qualify for the playoffs. On that note, let us look at the reasons that dented their qualification in this season.
#4 Failing to utilize the ‘Home’ advantage
In any format of the game, home teams will try to utilize their home advantage as much as possible. Every team will try to make its home venue a ‘fortress.’ In a tournament like IPL, each team will look to win all seven of their home matches.
Surprisingly, Mumbai Indians had won just three of their seven home games in this season. Wankhede Stadium had always played a pivotal role in all of their past seasons' memorable comebacks.
However, Mumbai had failed miserably in the utilization of home advantage in this season. Almost for the entire season, Mumbai remained toothless in their den.