IPL 2020: Predicting 4 teams that might reach playoffs

Mumbai Indians

Well, going by the hilarious logic of odd and even years, this shouldn’t be the year for the Mumbai Indians (MI). But with the quality players they possess, it will be an aberration for the Rohit Sharma-led side, if they stay at the bottom half of the points table next season. MI is a strong side and the team is a perfect blend of youth and experience and the latter came to their rescue last year in the final.

A strong core of Indian players is always in Mumbai’s favour. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Chahar and Ishan Kishan are almost certain to play every game. And then comes the overseas contingent which comprises of Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, Quinton de Kock and Trent Boult (traded). Add to it, the explosive Chris Lynn and the retained Kiwi quick Mitchell McClenaghan, the team has enough backups to everyone.

They struggled a bit to come to terms with Kieron Pollard waning form last season. But the West Indies skipper is relishing the responsibility now and is currently in the best possible form which bodes well for the Mumbai Indians. If Malinga fails, they have Boult, Coulter-Nile and McClenaghan to back him up while Lynn is always a dangerous player at the top of the order. MI squad seems to have covered all the bases and frankly, they shouldn’t even sweat to qualify for the playoffs.