Former Indian cricketer and KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir has revealed a way of restricting Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2020 final. They have made it to their sixth IPL final where they are awaiting their opponents to play them for the title on November 10.
Ahead of that game, SRH and DC will fight it out in the second qualifier for a place in the final. Meanwhile, Gambhir has said that the only way to restrict Mumbai in the final is to restrict them within 160. Although it looks unlikely with the kind of firepower they possess in the middle-order, it holds the key for Hyderabad feels Gautam Gambhir.
Restrict MI Under 160 – Gautam Gambhir
Talking to ESPNCricinfo, Gambhir revealed his game plan of stopping the defending champions from scoring big in the IPL final on Tuesday. Gautam Gambhir feels it will require a Ben Stokes-like effort to chase down a target of that sort considering the bowling line-up Mumbai have.
“Unless and until you don’t restrict Mumbai Indians to 150-160, you have the bowling to defend that. The moment they get to 180, it’s very difficult for any opposition to compete, let alone win. Apart from Ben Stokes’ brilliance, I don’t think any team can chase down 190-plus,” said Gambhir.
The left-hander also lauded Suryakumar Yadav for his performance in this IPL season and said that him anchoring the Mumbai Indians innings is a great plus for the side.
“Suryakumar Yadav anchors the innings and scores at 130, 135-plus strike rate, which is a great plus for Mumbai Indians. He’s someone who can play through the innings and hurt the opposition,” Gambhir said.
Gautam Gambhir further opined on the might of Mi’s big-hitting power Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya. He said that their big-hitters are the reason behind the success of the team consistently this season.
“Then you know that you have the firepower of Kieron Pollard, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, all these guys can hurt you in the end overs – and you’re No. 3 who is supposed to bat long. What more do you want from your batting line up. I guess that’s why Mumbai is where it is right now,” he concluded.
