XtraTime Web Desk: In their first 8 matches of the Indian Premier League 2018 defending champions Mumbai Indians had won only two matches and they were almost out of contention of reaching the playoffs. But after that making their critics wrong Rohit Sharma & co have won four matches out of five and are back on track of reaching the playoffs. If they win their last game against Delhi Daredevils tomorrow, the defending champions will reach the playoffs with 14 points with a better run rate. But what is the reason behind such a dramatic comeback of MI?
Here are the 5 reasons why the defending champions are back in contention of reaching the playoffs
Rohit Sharma’s batting: Though at the start he was failing continuously but as the tournament progressed Rohit batted with a lot of confidence and gave stability to the MI batting order as well. In the mean time he played a blistering knock of 94 as well.
Hardik Pandya’s bowling: At first he wasn’t in such good form but after a few matches he started to show his true colors with both bat and ball. He has scored 233 runs with the bat and has taken 18 wickets as well.
Ishan Kishan’s destructive batting: Young Ishan Kishan is well known for his wicket-keeping skills. But in the later half of the tournament his destructive batting stunned everyone. He has scored 270 runs in 13 matches and his 62-run knock against the Kolkata Knight Riders was just treat to watch. He is one of those for whom MI is still in contention of reaching the semis.
Krunal Pandya’s all-round performance: The elder one of the Pandya brothers is the key for MI’s success in the later part of the season. In the 134 matches he scored 224 runs and has taken 11 wickets as well. In many matches he played a crucial role with both bat and ball.
Bowling of Jasprit Bumrah in the death overs: Known as the specialist of death overs; Jasprit Bumrah was the reason that Mumbai is still in contention of reaching the playoffs. In their last game against Kings XI Punjab, Bumrah was the reason that MI won that game. He gave only 15 runs from his 4 overs and took 3 wickets to give the home side a crucial victory.