After topping the table, Mumbai Indians became the first team to qualify, but then they stuttered to Rising Pune Supergiant, who sneaked-in from behind to make the cut and then to become the first team to make it to the all-important finals that is four hours away. But, there is something about Rising Pune Supergiant outfit this year. They are the only team who have defeated the mighty Mumbai Indians thrice this year. That also means that Steven Smith knows something about Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians that other teams do not. But here we are and we have devised a blueprint for Mumbai Indians to break the jinx and lift the Indian Premier League crown for the third time.
Krunal, Karn for RPS middle-order: They have gone at less than 6 per over bowling to the RPS middle order which consists of Stokes, Dhoni, Tiwary. This is the reason why one feels they should be held back for the middle order.
Middle order firing: That has been the real strength of Mumbai Indians this year and they need to fire big-time in the all-important finals. This middle-order has most fifties compared to any other team in the tournament. Ambati, Krunal, Hardik have to make substantial contributions.
Simmons holds key: Lendl Simmons has an emphatic record in the knockout matches. He has three consecutive fifties. He has to get Mumbai Indians off to a rollicking start and that will exactly be the instructions. Once he comes good Mumbai Indians will in any way be well-placed.
Malinga should start, Bumrah should end: This should be ideal, Malinga has shown he is as good a new ball exponent as he is with the old ball at the death and with the luxury of having Bumrah at the death, you can go with Malinga allout upfront and end with Bumrah. So, they can attack at the start and at the backend.
Stifle Mahendra Singh Dhoni: Gautam Gambhir has been successful against Mahendra Singh Dhoni using an extremely attacking field and that has worked with spinners Getting Dhoni early would mean a setback to all the finishing dreams and that is big. MSD, one may say is have the battle won.
1⃣ final hurdle! Send your wishes for the players using #BELI3VE! #CricketMeriJaan #IPLfinal pic.twitter.com/vIW4azszjE
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 21, 2017
