Chennai will witness on Friday the first clash of Indian Premier League 2021, the second avatar of the pandemic-era tournament in eight months, after the 2020 edition had to be postponed to November and moved to UAE.

The inaugural match of the cricketing extravaganza will see the clash between reigning champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Last year's final was held on November 10th in Dubai.

For the Indian players who are national team members, it's been relentless cricket since then. From Dubai, they went straight to Australia for a full-fledged tour. After returning from Australia, they hosted a gruelling series against&nbsp;England. The last game was on March 28th.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-ipl-biggest-game-changer-for-indian-cricket-376128" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: IPL biggest game-changer for Indian cricket</a>

After that, they went into their respective IPL team camps. First to the bio-secure bubbles, then training, and now, back to action. In short, the pandemic has not stopped the play for them.

But COVID-19 is very much in the minds of cricketers and organisers alike. Several players, some coaches and officials have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past months. There are going to be restrictions on attendance, and calls have been made to relocate matches.

One of the venues is in Mumbai, which is facing one of the worst spikes of Covid cases.

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Matches in Mumbai are scheduled from April 10 to 25, at Wankhede stadium. Some local residents have already written a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, asking for a change of location in view of the spike. Though spectators are not allowed, there are concerns about large number of people gathering to see the cricketers passing by in their buses.&nbsp;

There are also worries that the tournament could turn into a super-spreader event.

But the show, it appears, will go on. IPL 2021 will be held in six cities - Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Kolkata. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium Ahmedabad on May 30th. &nbsp;

And the Board of Control for Cricket in India is leaving no stones unturned to pull it off.

“COVID-19 cases are increasing, so BCCI has taken all precautions for IPL," assured BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-rabada-to-archer-key-players-set-to-miss-first-ipl-2021-match-of-their-teams-376238" hreflang="en">Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams</a>

"Only six venues have been kept for the tournament, bio-bubble has been created, members of the squad have also been increased. The tournament will go on without any audience,” he added.

The Indian cricketing body has ruled out shifting IPL from Mumbai. But it has put in place a number of restrictions and precautionary measures.

Besides the decision to have no spectators, BCCI will ensure that the squads, support staff and other stakeholders are in bio-bubbles till the tournament finishes. There will be 'bio-bubble enforcers' and Covid tests on a regular basis for all involved in the event.

Check-in counters specifically for the IPL squads and support staff have been requested at airports of the hosting cities. &nbsp;

Bio-bubble integrity officers will make it mandatory for players and staff to wear masks before leaving hotel rooms. They will have to wear masks in order to use the common areas of the hotels. It will be ensured that they wear masks before leaving the grounds.

A few players and officials have already tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;This includes former India wicketkeeper Kiran More&nbsp;and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams.

In spite of the odds, BCCI is hoping to repeat the feat it pulled off in the UAE last year.&nbsp;

It's indeed all fingers crossed, for bringing to you what was known as the father of all entertainment.

Chennai will witness on Friday the first clash of Indian Premier League 2021, the second avatar of the pandemic-era tournament in eight months, after the 2020 edition had to be postponed to November and moved to UAE.

Chennai will witness on Friday the first clash of Indian Premier League 2021, the second avatar of the pandemic-era tournament in eight months, after the 2020 edition had to be postponed to November and moved to UAE. The inaugural match of the cricketing extravaganza will see the clash between reigning champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Last year's final was held on November 10th in Dubai. For the Indian players who are national team members, it's been relentless cricket since then. From Dubai, they went straight to Australia for a full-fledged tour. After returning from Australia, they hosted a gruelling series against England. The last game was on March 28th. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: IPL biggest game-changer for Indian cricket After that, they went into their respective IPL team camps. First to the bio-secure bubbles, then training, and now, back to action. In short, the pandemic has not stopped the play for them. But COVID-19 is very much in the minds of cricketers and organisers alike. Several players, some coaches and officials have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past months. There are going to be restrictions on attendance, and calls have been made to relocate matches. One of the venues is in Mumbai, which is facing one of the worst spikes of Covid cases. IN PICS | From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021 Matches in Mumbai are scheduled from April 10 to 25, at Wankhede stadium. Some local residents have already written a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, asking for a change of location in view of the spike. Though spectators are not allowed, there are concerns about large number of people gathering to see the cricketers passing by in their buses. There are also worries that the tournament could turn into a super-spreader event. But the show, it appears, will go on. IPL 2021 will be held in six cities - Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Kolkata. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium Ahmedabad on May 30th. And the Board of Control for Cricket in India is leaving no stones unturned to pull it off. “COVID-19 cases are increasing, so BCCI has taken all precautions for IPL," assured BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla ALSO READ: Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams "Only six venues have been kept for the tournament, bio-bubble has been created, members of the squad have also been increased. The tournament will go on without any audience,” he added. The Indian cricketing body has ruled out shifting IPL from Mumbai. But it has put in place a number of restrictions and precautionary measures. Besides the decision to have no spectators, BCCI will ensure that the squads, support staff and other stakeholders are in bio-bubbles till the tournament finishes. There will be 'bio-bubble enforcers' and Covid tests on a regular basis for all involved in the event. Check-in counters specifically for the IPL squads and support staff have been requested at airports of the hosting cities. Bio-bubble integrity officers will make it mandatory for players and staff to wear masks before leaving hotel rooms. They will have to wear masks in order to use the common areas of the hotels. It will be ensured that they wear masks before leaving the grounds. A few players and officials have already tested positive for the dreaded virus. This includes former India wicketkeeper Kiran More and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams. In spite of the odds, BCCI is hoping to repeat the feat it pulled off in the UAE last year. It's indeed all fingers crossed, for bringing to you what was known as the father of all entertainment.

Show must go on: How will BCCI pull off IPL 2021, the second tournament in the pandemic era?

Former England captain Michael Vaughan donned the predictor's hat and feels that Mumbai Indians' led by Rohit Sharma will win the upcoming Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mumbai-indians-team-preview-a-dream-hat-trick-on-cards-for-rohit-sharma-and-co-375947" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, Mumbai Indians - Team Preview: A dream hat-trick on cards for Rohit Sharma and Co.?</a>

However, he also said that if by chance the Mumbai Indians suffer ‘some bizarre loss of form’, then he feels David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad will win the title.&nbsp;

“Early #IPL2021 prediction ... @mipaltan will win it ... if by some bizarre loss of form then @SunRisers will win it ... #OnOn #India,” Vaughan tweeted on Wednesday.

Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition.

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After having a flawless IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians made slight changes to their squad in the auction table and bolstered it with the likes of James Neesham, Piyush Chawla, Adam Milne among others.

Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises. Their move to invest in the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya have worked wonders – which now makes their core team.&nbsp;

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The presence of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard only make them a scarier side to compete against. Not to forget the young and flamboyant Ishan Kishan.

Bumrah’s link-up with Kiwi pacer Trent Boult not only give Mumbai Indians the needed experience with the ball but also provides them variety and a world-class skill-set. The prospects of Marco Jansen and Arjun Tendulkar will only excite the MI fans even more.

In the spin department, Rahul Chahar will have Piyush Chawla to compete for a spot whereas Krunal Pandya would be the go-to option when it comes to left-arm spin.

Mumbai Indians are hot favourites to make it a hat-trick of IPL wins and there won’t be a single eyebrow raised if they go on to achieve the iconic feat.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan donned the predictor's hat and feels that Mumbai Indians' led by Rohit Sharma will win the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan donned the predictor's hat and feels that Mumbai Indians' led by Rohit Sharma will win the upcoming Indian Premier League. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, Mumbai Indians - Team Preview: A dream hat-trick on cards for Rohit Sharma and Co.? However, he also said that if by chance the Mumbai Indians suffer ‘some bizarre loss of form’, then he feels David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad will win the title. “Early #IPL2021 prediction ... @mipaltan will win it ... if by some bizarre loss of form then @SunRisers will win it ... #OnOn #India,” Vaughan tweeted on Wednesday. Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition. IN PICS| Riley Meredith, Shahrukh Khan: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm After having a flawless IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians made slight changes to their squad in the auction table and bolstered it with the likes of James Neesham, Piyush Chawla, Adam Milne among others. Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises. Their move to invest in the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya have worked wonders – which now makes their core team. IN PICS| List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 The presence of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard only make them a scarier side to compete against. Not to forget the young and flamboyant Ishan Kishan. Bumrah’s link-up with Kiwi pacer Trent Boult not only give Mumbai Indians the needed experience with the ball but also provides them variety and a world-class skill-set. The prospects of Marco Jansen and Arjun Tendulkar will only excite the MI fans even more. In the spin department, Rahul Chahar will have Piyush Chawla to compete for a spot whereas Krunal Pandya would be the go-to option when it comes to left-arm spin. Mumbai Indians are hot favourites to make it a hat-trick of IPL wins and there won’t be a single eyebrow raised if they go on to achieve the iconic feat.

'Early IPL 2021 prediction..': Michael Vaughan feels this team will win IPL 2021

Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition. <o:p></o:p>

After having a flawless IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians made slight changes to their squad in the auction table and bolstered it with the likes of James Neesham, Piyush Chawla, Adam Milne among others.<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises. Their move to invest in the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya have worked wonders – which now makes their core team.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-to-wion-selection-headache-a-good-thing-for-punjab-kings-375722" hreflang="en">Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings</a>

The presence of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard only make them a scarier side to compete against. Not to forget the young and flamboyant Ishan Kishan. <o:p></o:p>

Bumrah’s link-up with Kiwi pacer Trent Boult not only give Mumbai Indians the needed experience with the ball but also provides them variety and a world-class skill-set. The prospects of Marco Jansen and Arjun Tendulkar will only excite the MI fans even more. <o:p></o:p>

In the spin department, Rahul Chahar will have Piyush Chawla to compete for a spot whereas Krunal Pandya would be the go-to option when it comes to left-arm spin.<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians are hot favourites to make it a hat-trick of IPL wins and there won’t be a single eyebrow raised if they go on to achieve the iconic feat.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-ms-dhoni-to-imran-tahir-five-oldest-players-in-ipl-2021-375933" hreflang="en">From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Mumbai Indians, IPL 2021 Squad<o:p></o:p></h2>

Rohit Sharma (c), Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Chris Lynn, Saurabh Tiwary, Anmolpreet Singh, Aditya Tare, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Jayant Yadav, Anukul Roy, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohsin Khan, Adam Milne, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Piyush Chawla, James Neesham, Yudhvir Charak, Marco Jansen, Arjun Tendulkar<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition.

Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition. After having a flawless IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians made slight changes to their squad in the auction table and bolstered it with the likes of James Neesham, Piyush Chawla, Adam Milne among others. Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises. Their move to invest in the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya have worked wonders – which now makes their core team. ALSO READ: Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings The presence of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard only make them a scarier side to compete against. Not to forget the young and flamboyant Ishan Kishan. Bumrah’s link-up with Kiwi pacer Trent Boult not only give Mumbai Indians the needed experience with the ball but also provides them variety and a world-class skill-set. The prospects of Marco Jansen and Arjun Tendulkar will only excite the MI fans even more. In the spin department, Rahul Chahar will have Piyush Chawla to compete for a spot whereas Krunal Pandya would be the go-to option when it comes to left-arm spin. Mumbai Indians are hot favourites to make it a hat-trick of IPL wins and there won’t be a single eyebrow raised if they go on to achieve the iconic feat. IN PICS | From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021 Mumbai Indians, IPL 2021 Squad Rohit Sharma (c), Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Chris Lynn, Saurabh Tiwary, Anmolpreet Singh, Aditya Tare, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Jayant Yadav, Anukul Roy, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohsin Khan, Adam Milne, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Piyush Chawla, James Neesham, Yudhvir Charak, Marco Jansen, Arjun Tendulkar

IPL 2021, Mumbai Indians - Team Preview: A dream hat-trick on cards for Rohit Sharma and Co.?

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has backed Mumbai Indians to make a hat-trick of Indian Premier League (IPL) title wins in the upcoming 14th&nbsp;edition of the T20 tournament, scheduled to start from April 9. Gavaskar&nbsp;pointed out that the Mumbai Indians players have been in a rich run of form in the build-up to the IPL 2021 while adding the five-time champions would be a hard team to beat.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma will look to become the first skipper in IPL history to pull off a hat-trick of IPL trophy wins after lifting the coveted trophy in 2019 and 2020.&nbsp;

The likes of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Pandya brothers were in their element during the recently concluded T20I and ODI series against England.&nbsp;

"I think Mumbai Indians will be hard to beat. We have seen their players coming to form. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, the way they batted. Mumbai Indian players who took part in this T20I series and ODI series have shown they are in good form," Gavaskar told Star Sports.

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"The way Hardik Pandya has come to the party not just for Mumbai Indians, it was important for Indian cricket to see him bowl 9 overs. It means he is ready to play 9 overs. It (the World Test Championship final) is going to be in June, there is still time for that but the way he has come back is very good for Mumbai and Indian cricket," Gavaskar added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, all of the Mumbai Indians players who were involved in the India-England series have joined the franchise and have started gearing up for the lucrative T20 tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-virat-kohli-to-join-royal-challengers-bangalore-squad-in-chennai-on-april-1-374120" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Virat Kohli to join Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in Chennai on April 1</a>

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 commences from April 9 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) locking horns with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the season opener.&nbsp;

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has backed Mumbai Indians to make a hat-trick of Indian Premier League (IPL) title wins in the upcoming 14th edition of the T20 tournament, scheduled to start from April 9.

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has backed Mumbai Indians to make a hat-trick of Indian Premier League (IPL) title wins in the upcoming 14th edition of the T20 tournament, scheduled to start from April 9. Gavaskar pointed out that the Mumbai Indians players have been in a rich run of form in the build-up to the IPL 2021 while adding the five-time champions would be a hard team to beat. Rohit Sharma will look to become the first skipper in IPL history to pull off a hat-trick of IPL trophy wins after lifting the coveted trophy in 2019 and 2020. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Pandya brothers were in their element during the recently concluded T20I and ODI series against England. "I think Mumbai Indians will be hard to beat. We have seen their players coming to form. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, the way they batted. Mumbai Indian players who took part in this T20I series and ODI series have shown they are in good form," Gavaskar told Star Sports. TRENDING: Watch: Thisara Perera smashes 6 sixes, becomes first Sri Lankan to achieve the iconic feat "The way Hardik Pandya has come to the party not just for Mumbai Indians, it was important for Indian cricket to see him bowl 9 overs. It means he is ready to play 9 overs. It (the World Test Championship final) is going to be in June, there is still time for that but the way he has come back is very good for Mumbai and Indian cricket," Gavaskar added. Meanwhile, all of the Mumbai Indians players who were involved in the India-England series have joined the franchise and have started gearing up for the lucrative T20 tournament. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Virat Kohli to join Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in Chennai on April 1 The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 commences from April 9 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) locking horns with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the season opener.

Mumbai Indians will be hard to beat in IPL 2021, says Sunil Gavaskar

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is set to miss the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to his marriage, RCB's director of cricket Mike Hesson has confirmed.&nbsp;

RCB is scheduled to lock horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians on&nbsp;April 9 in what will be the tournament opener in Chennai.&nbsp;

Zampa played just three matches for RCB in IPL 2020 and picked up two wickets. He has 200 wickets in 173 T20s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We won't have our full contingent of overseas players available for the first game," Hesson said&nbsp;in a video posted by RCB on Twitter.&nbsp;"Adam Zampa is getting married. It's an important time for him and it's something that as a franchise we are aware of and we respect and we hope he has a great time. So when he joins us, once again he is going to be fresh and make a massive contribution to the rest of the tournament."&nbsp;

Most of RCB's overseas contingent will arrive in India in a scattered manner with regards to international commitments and&nbsp;NOCs&nbsp;from their respective boards. Upon landing in India, they will have to serve a mandatory seven-day quarantine period before joining their team.&nbsp;

"We have got players arriving all the way through till 1st of April, which is where we get the NOCs for some of the overseas players, particularly those who are playing," Hesson said. "Finn Allen is playing in T20s in New Zealand on the 1st of April; he will be coming the day after. We have got Australians who play up to 31st, likes of Daniel&nbsp;Sams, Kane Richardson. They then jump on a plane and come. ABD [de Villiers] arrives on 28th.&nbsp;

"I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh"&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
RCB’s IPL 2021 Camp and Player Availability 
 
When’s the pre-season camp starting? When are the overseas players arriving? On <a href="https://twitter.com/myntra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@myntra</a> presents Bold Diaries, Mike Hesson leaves no room for speculations ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VivoIPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VivoIPL2021</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Classof2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Classof2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/yxBFNYVwW8">pic.twitter.com/yxBFNYVwW8</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1374564125616013313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"So&nbsp;we have got players arriving at different times and we have to factor that into our preparation, which will include some practice games heading into our first game on 9th."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, RCB is set to commence their camp in Chennai on March 29.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We have got some who have been in the bubble all the time, so they will come straight bubble to bubble transfer," Hesson explained. "From Pune, they will join us. We have got one or two who will have a day or two at home. They have been in a bubble for so long and need to freshen up. When they will be arriving, they obviously will have to take their seven-day quarantine.&nbsp;

"I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. But really keen to get started. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh."&nbsp;

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is set to miss the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to his marriage, RCB's director of cricket Mike Hesson has confirmed.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is set to miss the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to his marriage, RCB's director of cricket Mike Hesson has confirmed. RCB is scheduled to lock horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians on April 9 in what will be the tournament opener in Chennai. Zampa played just three matches for RCB in IPL 2020 and picked up two wickets. He has 200 wickets in 173 T20s. "We won't have our full contingent of overseas players available for the first game," Hesson said in a video posted by RCB on Twitter. "Adam Zampa is getting married. It's an important time for him and it's something that as a franchise we are aware of and we respect and we hope he has a great time. So when he joins us, once again he is going to be fresh and make a massive contribution to the rest of the tournament." Most of RCB's overseas contingent will arrive in India in a scattered manner with regards to international commitments and NOCs from their respective boards. Upon landing in India, they will have to serve a mandatory seven-day quarantine period before joining their team. "We have got players arriving all the way through till 1st of April, which is where we get the NOCs for some of the overseas players, particularly those who are playing," Hesson said. "Finn Allen is playing in T20s in New Zealand on the 1st of April; he will be coming the day after. We have got Australians who play up to 31st, likes of Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson. They then jump on a plane and come. ABD [de Villiers] arrives on 28th. "I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh" RCB’s IPL 2021 Camp and Player Availability When’s the pre-season camp starting? When are the overseas players arriving? On @myntra presents Bold Diaries, Mike Hesson leaves no room for speculations ahead of #VivoIPL2021.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 #Classof2021 pic.twitter.com/yxBFNYVwW8 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 24, 2021 × "So we have got players arriving at different times and we have to factor that into our preparation, which will include some practice games heading into our first game on 9th." Meanwhile, RCB is set to commence their camp in Chennai on March 29. "We have got some who have been in the bubble all the time, so they will come straight bubble to bubble transfer," Hesson explained. "From Pune, they will join us. We have got one or two who will have a day or two at home. They have been in a bubble for so long and need to freshen up. When they will be arriving, they obviously will have to take their seven-day quarantine. "I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. But really keen to get started. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh."

IPL 2021: Australia's Adam Zampa to miss RCB's first match vs Mumbai Indians

The last name at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auction was of young all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar. As the name of the 21-year-old popped up, Mumbai Indians held their paddle up to sign the youngster for&nbsp;the base price of INR 20 lakh.&nbsp;Mumbai Indians’ Zaheer Khan and Mahela&nbsp;Jayawardene&nbsp;expressed their opinion on the young Arjun Tendulkar after the southpaw was roped in by MI for IPL 2021.&nbsp;

While social media came up with all sorts of theories, many missed the fact that Arjun has been part of the Mumbai Indians set-up for a couple of years as a support bowler and recently made the cut in the Mumbai state team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he made two appearances.&nbsp;

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"I would like to thank the coaches, owners and the support staff for showing faith in me." 🙌💙 
 
Arjun Tendulkar shares his thoughts on joining MI 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a> <a href="https://t.co/fEbF6Q1yUF">pic.twitter.com/fEbF6Q1yUF</a>
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1362444650653511686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I have spent lots of time with him in the nets, trying to teach&nbsp;him a few tricks of the trade. He is a&nbsp;hard-working&nbsp;kid and he is keen on learning. That's the exciting part. The added pressure of the name&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar is always going to be there with him, something he will have to live by. But the environment&nbsp;we have around the team is certainly going to help him become a better cricketer with the likes of Shane Bond and Mahela around. I wish him the best,” Zaheer Khan told a press conference following the IPL 2021 auction.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-ms-dhoni-yuvraj-singh-to-chris-morris-most-expensive-buys-in-every-ipl-auctions-364071" hreflang="en">From MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh to Chris Morris: Most expensive buys in every IPL auctions</a>

"We are looking at things under a very simple&nbsp;lense. He is just a youngster coming into the side. But he has to prove himself, has to show the coaching staff and the think tank of the team that he has got the goods to belong there.&nbsp;So&nbsp;what he does at the highest level in&nbsp;his hands,"&nbsp;Zaheer added.&nbsp;

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"It's very important that his process and his progression happens as any other young cricketer." 
 
Akash Ambani shares his thoughts on signing Arjun Tendulkar 🎙️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a> <a href="https://t.co/qUy5lqDcKz">pic.twitter.com/qUy5lqDcKz</a>
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1362463020408922115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Whereas former Sri Lanka captain and MI head coach Mahela&nbsp;Jayawardene&nbsp;said that Arjun has great potential and the franchise wanted to invest in that.&nbsp;Jayawardene&nbsp;further said that it would be exciting for&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar to see his son in the Mumbai Indians jersey.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-auction-2021-complete-players-list-of-all-eight-squads-364617" hreflang="en">IPL Auction 2021: Complete players list of all eight squads</a>

MI head coach Mahela&nbsp;Jayawardene&nbsp;said that the MI management saw potential in Arjun - who had been bowling to the MI batsmen in the nets and was rewarded for his hard work. Mahela went on to add that it would be a proud moment for&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;to see Arjun wearing MI jersey.&nbsp;

"He has worked hard for a couple of years now, coming to the nets and bowling to the guys, he especially worked very hard in UAE with us. Not only Arjun, but we also picked Yudhvir as well who was one of our bowlers who came to the nets.&nbsp;Whenever we see guys are working hard, we try and invest in that. It's great to have Arjun and it would exciting times for&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;as well to see Arjun wearing the Mumbai T-shirt and be a part of the squad," said Mahela.&nbsp;

The last name at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auction was of young all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary Sachin Tendulkar. As the name of the 21-year-old popped up, Mumbai Indians held their paddle up to sign the youngster for the base price of INR 20 lakh.

The last name at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auction was of young all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary Sachin Tendulkar. As the name of the 21-year-old popped up, Mumbai Indians held their paddle up to sign the youngster for the base price of INR 20 lakh. Mumbai Indians’ Zaheer Khan and Mahela Jayawardene expressed their opinion on the young Arjun Tendulkar after the southpaw was roped in by MI for IPL 2021. While social media came up with all sorts of theories, many missed the fact that Arjun has been part of the Mumbai Indians set-up for a couple of years as a support bowler and recently made the cut in the Mumbai state team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he made two appearances. "I would like to thank the coaches, owners and the support staff for showing faith in me." 🙌💙 Arjun Tendulkar shares his thoughts on joining MI 👇#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/fEbF6Q1yUF — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 18, 2021 × "I have spent lots of time with him in the nets, trying to teach him a few tricks of the trade. He is a hard-working kid and he is keen on learning. That's the exciting part. The added pressure of the name Sachin Tendulkar is always going to be there with him, something he will have to live by. But the environment we have around the team is certainly going to help him become a better cricketer with the likes of Shane Bond and Mahela around. I wish him the best,” Zaheer Khan told a press conference following the IPL 2021 auction. ALSO READ: From MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh to Chris Morris: Most expensive buys in every IPL auctions "We are looking at things under a very simple lense. He is just a youngster coming into the side. But he has to prove himself, has to show the coaching staff and the think tank of the team that he has got the goods to belong there. So what he does at the highest level in his hands," Zaheer added. "It's very important that his process and his progression happens as any other young cricketer." Akash Ambani shares his thoughts on signing Arjun Tendulkar 🎙️#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/qUy5lqDcKz — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 18, 2021 × Whereas former Sri Lanka captain and MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene said that Arjun has great potential and the franchise wanted to invest in that. Jayawardene further said that it would be exciting for Sachin Tendulkar to see his son in the Mumbai Indians jersey. ALSO READ: IPL Auction 2021: Complete players list of all eight squads MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene said that the MI management saw potential in Arjun - who had been bowling to the MI batsmen in the nets and was rewarded for his hard work. Mahela went on to add that it would be a proud moment for Sachin to see Arjun wearing MI jersey. "He has worked hard for a couple of years now, coming to the nets and bowling to the guys, he especially worked very hard in UAE with us. Not only Arjun, but we also picked Yudhvir as well who was one of our bowlers who came to the nets. Whenever we see guys are working hard, we try and invest in that. It's great to have Arjun and it would exciting times for Sachin as well to see Arjun wearing the Mumbai T-shirt and be a part of the squad," said Mahela.

Zaheer Khan, Mahela Jayawardene open up on Mumbai Indians signing Arjun Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun, a left-arm fast bowler who made his senior Mumbai team debut this year, has been bought for a base price of Rs 20 lakh by Mumbai Indians.

He made his Twenty20 debut on 15 January 2021, for Mumbai in the 2020–21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Haryana and soon may play in the Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-auction-highlights-from-chris-morris-to-glenn-maxwell-all-the-details-from-mini-auction-364497">Also read | IPL 2021 Auction, Highlights: From Chris Morris to Glenn Maxwell - all the details from mini-auction</a> 
 
Arjun had been playing for Mumbai at the U-19 level and other age-group competitions. He was part of the Mumbai T20 league which was played in 2019. Arjun also made his India Under-19 debut in 2018 when he toured with the side for a two-match Youth Test series against Sri Lanka Under-19 team.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Chris Morris fetched the highest ever bid of Rs 16.25 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history as Rajasthan Royals (RR) picked the pace-bowling all-rounder after intense competition with Punjab Kings at a player auction here. The base price of 33-year-old Morris, who didn`t have a great 2020 IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), was Rs.75 lakh.

Yuvraj Singh held the previous all-time record with Rs.16 crore, for which Delhi Daredevils bought him in 2015. And the highest ever bid for a foreigner was Rs.15.5 crore for which Kolkata Knight Riders bought Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins last year.&nbsp;

IPL 2021 auction was held in Chennai for the 14th season of Indian Premier League (IPL). A total of eight franchises were bidding to acquire 61 players. 164 Indian, 125 foreign and 3 players from associate countries had been registered in the IPL 2021 auction list.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun, a left-arm fast bowler who made his senior Mumbai team debut this year, has been bought for a base price of Rs 20 lakh by Mumbai Indians.

Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun, a left-arm fast bowler who made his senior Mumbai team debut this year, has been bought for a base price of Rs 20 lakh by Mumbai Indians. He made his Twenty20 debut on 15 January 2021, for Mumbai in the 2020–21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Haryana and soon may play in the Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021). Also read | IPL 2021 Auction, Highlights: From Chris Morris to Glenn Maxwell - all the details from mini-auction Arjun had been playing for Mumbai at the U-19 level and other age-group competitions. He was part of the Mumbai T20 league which was played in 2019. Arjun also made his India Under-19 debut in 2018 when he toured with the side for a two-match Youth Test series against Sri Lanka Under-19 team. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Chris Morris fetched the highest ever bid of Rs 16.25 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history as Rajasthan Royals (RR) picked the pace-bowling all-rounder after intense competition with Punjab Kings at a player auction here. The base price of 33-year-old Morris, who didn`t have a great 2020 IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), was Rs.75 lakh. Yuvraj Singh held the previous all-time record with Rs.16 crore, for which Delhi Daredevils bought him in 2015. And the highest ever bid for a foreigner was Rs.15.5 crore for which Kolkata Knight Riders bought Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins last year. IPL 2021 auction was held in Chennai for the 14th season of Indian Premier League (IPL). A total of eight franchises were bidding to acquire 61 players. 164 Indian, 125 foreign and 3 players from associate countries had been registered in the IPL 2021 auction list. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2021: Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun to play for Mumbai Indians

Pakistan Super League is ready to host the remainder of matches in Karachi after they were forced to postpone the second round due to spread of COVID-19. However, one of the top four teams was brutally trolled even before the playoffs began.&nbsp;

Karachi Kings is one of the top four teams that will be playing to win the tournament. However, even before the playoffs commenced, the team has been trolled after they shared a picture of Sherfane Rutherford.&nbsp;

The Caribbean batsman has joined Karachi Kings (KK) as a replacement for Chris Jordan, who has pulled out due to international fixtures.

Sherfane Rutherford, who was also a part of IPL-winning Mumbai Indians, arrived in Pakistan directly from UAE. KK posted a picture of the player on his arrival which became a talking point on the internet.&nbsp;

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Arrival of our 👑 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/King?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#King</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SherfaneRutherford?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SherfaneRutherford</a> for the Playoffs of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HBLPSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HBLPSLV</a> 👊🏻 
Karachi Kings Phir Se Tayyar Hai‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HBLPSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HBLPSLV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarachiKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarachiKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YehHaiKarachi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YehHaiKarachi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PhirSeTayyarHain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PhirSeTayyarHain</a> <a href="https://t.co/qGMNBAf7dG">pic.twitter.com/qGMNBAf7dG</a>
— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarachiKingsARY/status/1326497652016549889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In the picture, Rutherford was seen wearing MI's kit.&nbsp;

Netizens trolled the team brutally. Take a look:&nbsp;

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Mumbai Indians hahaha
— Mohammad Ali (@MohammadAli1A) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohammadAli1A/status/1326500438267596800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bechare k lie Karachi ka track suit to bhej dete Mumbai Indians ka pehn k aa raha ha
— Hashir Bin Ahmed (@HashirBinAhmed) <a href="https://twitter.com/HashirBinAhmed/status/1326761552163315713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Atleast offer him jacket and mask.
— amitbhat (@amitbhat25) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitbhat25/status/1326888243518869504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Plzz send them karachi kings tracksuit to wear ...😂<a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealPCB</a>
— Navin Kumar (@NavinKu16194675) <a href="https://twitter.com/NavinKu16194675/status/1326898247768690688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The playoffs of Pakistan Super League (PSL) has faced back-to-back setbacks as star players like Darren Sammy and Mitchell McCleneghan have withdrawn from the league.&nbsp;

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, PSL playoffs will be played between November 14 to 17 in Karachi. The PCB has also announced the squads for the playoffs.&nbsp;

Pakistan Super League is ready to host the remainder of matches in Karachi after they were forced to postpone the second round due to spread of COVID-19. However, one of the top four teams was brutally trolled even before the playoffs began.

Pakistan Super League is ready to host the remainder of matches in Karachi after they were forced to postpone the second round due to spread of COVID-19. However, one of the top four teams was brutally trolled even before the playoffs began. Karachi Kings is one of the top four teams that will be playing to win the tournament. However, even before the playoffs commenced, the team has been trolled after they shared a picture of Sherfane Rutherford. The Caribbean batsman has joined Karachi Kings (KK) as a replacement for Chris Jordan, who has pulled out due to international fixtures. Sherfane Rutherford, who was also a part of IPL-winning Mumbai Indians, arrived in Pakistan directly from UAE. KK posted a picture of the player on his arrival which became a talking point on the internet. Arrival of our 👑 #King #SherfaneRutherford for the Playoffs of #HBLPSLV 👊🏻 Karachi Kings Phir Se Tayyar Hai‼️#HBLPSLV #KarachiKings #YehHaiKarachi #PhirSeTayyarHain pic.twitter.com/qGMNBAf7dG — Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) November 11, 2020 × In the picture, Rutherford was seen wearing MI's kit. Netizens trolled the team brutally. Take a look: Mumbai Indians hahaha — Mohammad Ali (@MohammadAli1A) November 11, 2020 × Bechare k lie Karachi ka track suit to bhej dete Mumbai Indians ka pehn k aa raha ha — Hashir Bin Ahmed (@HashirBinAhmed) November 12, 2020 × Atleast offer him jacket and mask. — amitbhat (@amitbhat25) November 12, 2020 × Plzz send them karachi kings tracksuit to wear ...😂@mipaltan @BCCI @TheRealPCB — Navin Kumar (@NavinKu16194675) November 12, 2020 × The playoffs of Pakistan Super League (PSL) has faced back-to-back setbacks as star players like Darren Sammy and Mitchell McCleneghan have withdrawn from the league. According to Pakistan Cricket Board, PSL playoffs will be played between November 14 to 17 in Karachi. The PCB has also announced the squads for the playoffs.

Karachi King get trolled as Sherfane Rutherford lands in Pakistan in MI kit

The just-concluded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> touched the pinnacle when it comes to the quality of cricket as it was the first time when a team with six wins finished last in the points table. IPL 2020 was shifted to the UAE and the entire tournament was played behind closed doors which also witnessed the viewership rating touch record high.&nbsp;

Not only that, IPL 2020, the franchises and players also trended on social media platforms massively. Mumbai Indians became the most-talked-about team whereas Virat Kohli was the most mentioned player on Facebook during IPL 2020. Facebook, in a statement, said that IPL 2020 was a big conversation starter and registered over 10 million mentions on Facebook led by crazy cricket fans.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-witnessed-record-breaking-surge-in-viewership-342978" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 witnessed record-breaking surge in viewership</a>

Around 74 per cent of the people who talked about IPL 2020 were in the 18-34 years age group bracket. When it came franchises, Mumbai Indians – the winner of IPL 2020 – topped the charts of most mentioned tweets followed by Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings.

Kohli led the pack of most mentioned players followed by MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. The Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and Bihar were the top-most region when it comes to conversations.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/best-player-ive-ever-seen-in-my-life-aussie-coach-justin-langer-praises-this-indian-batsman-342905" hreflang="en">'Best player I’ve ever seen in my life': Aussie coach Justin Langer praises this Indian batsman</a>

"Cricket transcends all boundaries and brings India together like few things do. IPL over the years has emerged as a celebration of the sport and one of the biggest cultural moments for cricket fans in the country especially in these times," Facebook India Director and Head of Partnerships Manish Chopra said.

Chopra added that as IPL 2020 grew, fans gathered more to comment, share and post about their favourite moments, players and franchise throughout the season across Facebook’s family of applications including Instagram. 
&nbsp;

The just-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 touched the pinnacle when it comes to the quality of cricket as it was the first time when a team with six wins finished last in the points table.

The just-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 touched the pinnacle when it comes to the quality of cricket as it was the first time when a team with six wins finished last in the points table. IPL 2020 was shifted to the UAE and the entire tournament was played behind closed doors which also witnessed the viewership rating touch record high. Not only that, IPL 2020, the franchises and players also trended on social media platforms massively. Mumbai Indians became the most-talked-about team whereas Virat Kohli was the most mentioned player on Facebook during IPL 2020. Facebook, in a statement, said that IPL 2020 was a big conversation starter and registered over 10 million mentions on Facebook led by crazy cricket fans. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 witnessed record-breaking surge in viewership Around 74 per cent of the people who talked about IPL 2020 were in the 18-34 years age group bracket. When it came franchises, Mumbai Indians – the winner of IPL 2020 – topped the charts of most mentioned tweets followed by Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings. Kohli led the pack of most mentioned players followed by MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. The Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and Bihar were the top-most region when it comes to conversations. ALSO READ: 'Best player I’ve ever seen in my life': Aussie coach Justin Langer praises this Indian batsman "Cricket transcends all boundaries and brings India together like few things do. IPL over the years has emerged as a celebration of the sport and one of the biggest cultural moments for cricket fans in the country especially in these times," Facebook India Director and Head of Partnerships Manish Chopra said. Chopra added that as IPL 2020 grew, fans gathered more to comment, share and post about their favourite moments, players and franchise throughout the season across Facebook’s family of applications including Instagram.

Mumbai Indians, Virat Kohli top conversation charts on Facebook during IPL 2020

&nbsp;An insatiable hunger to succeed, the willingness to put in the extra yards and extensive work on the nitty gritties culminated in an unprecedented fifth IPL title for Mumbai Indians, the players, who are responsible for Delhi Capitals' clinical demolition said on Tuesday.

Opener Quinton de Kock said after the final, "Mumbai have a great set up, so we've been able to move with the gym work and training and stuff. We're reaping the rewards today for it. It's a great feeling."

"I think this year because there were so many questions around Mumbai in general, whether we can win back to back, we put in extra effort. You can see it's paid off. We worked extra hard on the nitty gritties."

If last year's one-run win over Chennai Super Kings was an absolute cliffhanger, Rohit's fluent 68 made it an anti-climax with Mumbai Indians chasing the target of 157 in 18.4 overs.

"It's a great feeling. I've been here 11 years, fifth trophy. No one sees the planning and training, it's pressure playing for a franchise like this," MI veteran Kieron Pollard.

The West Indian swashbuckler added: "The amount of trophies, the amount of work, the amount of players who go on to play for their countries, I think we'll have to say so (that this is the best T20 franchise)."

Elder of the Pandya brothers, Krunal said: "It's the hunger. The way we went about the games, there was always 100 percent. A lot of credit goes to how we prepared. One month before we came, everyone knew their roles."

"Everyone was in good shape, just executing what they were doing in the nets."

Another MI star, Suryakumar Yadav attributed the success to preparation and following the proces.

"Preparations, processes and routine is important. The team just said one thing - we'll take care of this. You go and express yourself," Surykumar concluded

An insatiable hunger to succeed, the willingness to put in the extra yards and extensive work on the nitty gritties culminated in an unprecedented fifth IPL title for Mumbai Indians, the players, who are responsible for Delhi Capitals' clinical demolition said on Tuesday.

An insatiable hunger to succeed, the willingness to put in the extra yards and extensive work on the nitty gritties culminated in an unprecedented fifth IPL title for Mumbai Indians, the players, who are responsible for Delhi Capitals' clinical demolition said on Tuesday. Opener Quinton de Kock said after the final, "Mumbai have a great set up, so we've been able to move with the gym work and training and stuff. We're reaping the rewards today for it. It's a great feeling." "I think this year because there were so many questions around Mumbai in general, whether we can win back to back, we put in extra effort. You can see it's paid off. We worked extra hard on the nitty gritties." If last year's one-run win over Chennai Super Kings was an absolute cliffhanger, Rohit's fluent 68 made it an anti-climax with Mumbai Indians chasing the target of 157 in 18.4 overs. "It's a great feeling. I've been here 11 years, fifth trophy. No one sees the planning and training, it's pressure playing for a franchise like this," MI veteran Kieron Pollard. The West Indian swashbuckler added: "The amount of trophies, the amount of work, the amount of players who go on to play for their countries, I think we'll have to say so (that this is the best T20 franchise)." Elder of the Pandya brothers, Krunal said: "It's the hunger. The way we went about the games, there was always 100 percent. A lot of credit goes to how we prepared. One month before we came, everyone knew their roles." "Everyone was in good shape, just executing what they were doing in the nets." Another MI star, Suryakumar Yadav attributed the success to preparation and following the proces. "Preparations, processes and routine is important. The team just said one thing - we'll take care of this. You go and express yourself," Surykumar concluded

IPL 13: Hunger and working on nitty gritties did it, feel MI players

Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians will square off against Shreyas Iyer's Delhi Capitals in the finals of Indian Premier League 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians will square off against Shreyas Iyer's Delhi Capitals in the finals of Indian Premier League 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Also read: 'That is secondary, primary is winning tournament': Kagiso Rabada on winning Purple Cap Mumbai has been dominant throughout the season. They ended with most points in the league stage and at the top of the table. They became the first team to enter finals after beating Delhi Capitals in the first Qualifier. Mumbai posses both, lethal bowling attack (Jasprti Bumrah and Trent Boult) and explosive batsman (Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan). Skipper Rohit has had a disappointing run this year and has played no memorable knock. However, the four-time IPL champs are favourites to win this year looking at their performance against Delhi. In pics: Race to Orange Cap: Top 5 batsmen in Indian Premier League 2020 Delhi Capitals have been impressive in the first half of this IPL and then shaky as the tournament was coming to its business end. Shikhar Dhawan's form has been crucial for the Capitals. Iyer's decision to send Marcus Stoinis to open the innings as Delhi opened well against SRH. Iyer himself has not found a great form this season. DC has been a surprising lot this year. They made it to their maiden finals and could stun the defending champions. In pics: Race to Purple Cap: Top 5 bowlers in Indian Premier League 2020 Mumbai Indians (Probable XI): Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Saurabh Tiwary, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, James Pattinson Delhi Capitals (Probable XI): Shikhar Dhawan, Marcus Stoinis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tushar Deshpande Squads Mumbai: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Saurabh Tiwary, James Pattinson, Dhawal Kulkarni, Aditya Tare, Mitchell McClenaghan, Chris Lynn, Jayant Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai Delhi: Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Marcus Stoinis, Ajinkya Rahane, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Praveen Dubey, Harshal Patel, Prithvi Shaw, Daniel Sams, Mohit Sharma, Alex Carey, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Lamichhane, Keemo Paul, Tushar Deshpande, Lalit Yadav

IPL 2020 FINAL: Delhi Capitals eye maiden title win against four-time champions Mumbai Indians

Skipper Rohit Sharma lauded his team, Mumbai Indians, for the team's collective effort in a stunning win against Delhi Capitals. Rohit Sharma and Co. registered a 57-run victory to book a place in the finals.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mi-vs-dc-ipl-2020-qualifier-1-mumbai-indians-storm-into-the-final-blow-away-delhi-capitals-340927" hreflang="en">MI vs DC, IPL 2020 Qualifier 1: Mumbai Indians storm into the final, blow away Delhi Capitals</a>

Rohit Sharma was asked if it was his team’s best performance in this year's tournament, to which he said: "Yes, I guess so."

"The way we came out today with that intent after losing the wicket in the second over, the way (Quinton) De Kock and Surya took the momentum towards us was great to watch and then the way we finished towards the back-end was magnificent," Sharma said at the post-match presentation.

"And again with the bowl (the performance) was absolutely clinical as well. We were very clear with the plans on what we wanted to achieve, and yes a perfect result for us," Sharma said.

The Mumbai Indians captain went on to praise this year's match-winning bowling duo of Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. Boult, who sustained a groin injury, was looking fine.&nbsp;

"I have not seen him (Boult), but it looks okay. It is a big game that is coming up and we have got three-four days and we wanted to make sure that he is okay. He went off obviously, but he looks okay. I don’t think it’s a big problem. The next three days he will be fine and on the park on the 10th," said Rohit.

Delhi Capitals were simply outplayed by the class of Mumbai Indians as they fell short by 57 runs and will now have to play the Qualifier 2 against the winner of Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Royal Challengers Bangalore in a bid to secure a berth in the final of IPL 2020.&nbsp;

Skipper Rohit Sharma lauded his team, Mumbai Indians, for the team's collective effort in a stunning win against Delhi Capitals. Rohit Sharma and Co. registered a 57-run victory to book a place in the finals.

Skipper Rohit Sharma lauded his team, Mumbai Indians, for the team's collective effort in a stunning win against Delhi Capitals. Rohit Sharma and Co. registered a 57-run victory to book a place in the finals. Also read: MI vs DC, IPL 2020 Qualifier 1: Mumbai Indians storm into the final, blow away Delhi Capitals Rohit Sharma was asked if it was his team’s best performance in this year's tournament, to which he said: "Yes, I guess so." "The way we came out today with that intent after losing the wicket in the second over, the way (Quinton) De Kock and Surya took the momentum towards us was great to watch and then the way we finished towards the back-end was magnificent," Sharma said at the post-match presentation. "And again with the bowl (the performance) was absolutely clinical as well. We were very clear with the plans on what we wanted to achieve, and yes a perfect result for us," Sharma said. The Mumbai Indians captain went on to praise this year's match-winning bowling duo of Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. Boult, who sustained a groin injury, was looking fine. "I have not seen him (Boult), but it looks okay. It is a big game that is coming up and we have got three-four days and we wanted to make sure that he is okay. He went off obviously, but he looks okay. I don’t think it’s a big problem. The next three days he will be fine and on the park on the 10th," said Rohit. Delhi Capitals were simply outplayed by the class of Mumbai Indians as they fell short by 57 runs and will now have to play the Qualifier 2 against the winner of Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Royal Challengers Bangalore in a bid to secure a berth in the final of IPL 2020.

'Perfect result': Rohit Sharma lauds team efforts after winning first IPL qualifiers

Mumbai Indians bowling coach and former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond lavished praise on Jasprit Bumrah following a splendid performance in the Qualifier 1 of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> against Delhi Capitals as the Kiwi termed Bumrah as the “best T20 fast bowler in the world”.

Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by 57 runs to storm into the final of IPL 2020 and it was Bumrah who was behind MI’s stunning bowling performance. Bumrah conceded just 14 runs while picking up four wickets in his four-over quota, as the current Purple Cap holder continued his tremendous run with the ball.&nbsp;

<h2>Jasprit, it's a privilege to watch: Shane Bond</h2>

"Jasprit, it's a privilege to watch. The best T20 fast bowler in the world go about his work," Bond said in a video posted by Mumbai Indians on Twitter.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-bio-bubble-can-be-mentally-taxing-length-of-tournaments-need-to-be-considered-341136" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli: Bio-bubble can be mentally taxing</a>

Bond also praised Trent Boult saying that "I've loved working with Trent since 2012. We've seen him at his very best and I was very excited to have him in our team. Because I know what a devastating bowler he can be and he has done that through this tournament for us."

Before the heroics with the ball, MI batters put on a show as they posted 200 runs on the board courtesy terrific knocks by Suryakumar Yadav, Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya.

Delhi Capitals never got the chase going as Boult and Bumrah did the damage upfront to restrict them to 0/3 in the second over. After that, it was just DC saving their blushes.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-couldve-been-selected-for-australia-tour-virender-sehwag-baffled-over-hitmans-injury-case-341122" hreflang="en">Virender Sehwag baffled over Rohit Sharma's injury case</a>

Bond is also impressed with his team's batting performance and said: "We are an intimidating batting line-up. You sit in the shed and it is just relentless. At 100/4, you felt that turn in the momentum. Delhi fought really hard through the middle of the innings and got themselves well back into the game. If they'd had a little bit more luck or perhaps been a little bit more accurate, we would have been under pressure at the back end."

Reflecting on his performance, Suryakumar Yadav said: "They have given me unbelievable freedom to express myself whenever I go to bat. And whatever the situation is, whether it is 10/1 or 50 or no loss. So, I just went out, expressed myself, and just played the way I play."

Mumbai Indians bowling coach and former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond lavished praise on Jasprit Bumrah following a splendid performance in the Qualifier 1 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 against Delhi Capitals as the Kiwi termed Bumrah as the “best T20 fast bowler in the world”.

Mumbai Indians bowling coach and former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond lavished praise on Jasprit Bumrah following a splendid performance in the Qualifier 1 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 against Delhi Capitals as the Kiwi termed Bumrah as the “best T20 fast bowler in the world”. Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by 57 runs to storm into the final of IPL 2020 and it was Bumrah who was behind MI’s stunning bowling performance. Bumrah conceded just 14 runs while picking up four wickets in his four-over quota, as the current Purple Cap holder continued his tremendous run with the ball. Jasprit, it's a privilege to watch: Shane Bond "Jasprit, it's a privilege to watch. The best T20 fast bowler in the world go about his work," Bond said in a video posted by Mumbai Indians on Twitter. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli: Bio-bubble can be mentally taxing Bond also praised Trent Boult saying that "I've loved working with Trent since 2012. We've seen him at his very best and I was very excited to have him in our team. Because I know what a devastating bowler he can be and he has done that through this tournament for us." Before the heroics with the ball, MI batters put on a show as they posted 200 runs on the board courtesy terrific knocks by Suryakumar Yadav, Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya. Delhi Capitals never got the chase going as Boult and Bumrah did the damage upfront to restrict them to 0/3 in the second over. After that, it was just DC saving their blushes. ALSO READ: Virender Sehwag baffled over Rohit Sharma's injury case Bond is also impressed with his team's batting performance and said: "We are an intimidating batting line-up. You sit in the shed and it is just relentless. At 100/4, you felt that turn in the momentum. Delhi fought really hard through the middle of the innings and got themselves well back into the game. If they'd had a little bit more luck or perhaps been a little bit more accurate, we would have been under pressure at the back end." Reflecting on his performance, Suryakumar Yadav said: "They have given me unbelievable freedom to express myself whenever I go to bat. And whatever the situation is, whether it is 10/1 or 50 or no loss. So, I just went out, expressed myself, and just played the way I play."

IPL 2020: Jasprit Bumrah is the 'best T20 fast bowler in the world', says Shane Bond

The Indian Premier League playoffs begin Thursday in the UAE with last year's champions Mumbai as favourites and Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore among the teams looking to cause an upset.

Surprise package the Delhi Capitals, who like Bangalore are aiming for a first title, will take on the Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier on Thursday with a place in the November 10 final at stake.

The losers of that match will get another crack at qualifying on Sunday against either Kohli's Bangalore or Sunrisers Hyderabad, who clash on Friday in an eliminator.

AFP Sport looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the four teams still standing in the world's richest Twenty20 league:

<h2>- Mumbai Indians -</h2>

Rohit Sharma's four-time champions underlined their status as tournament favourites by being the first team to qualify for the playoffs as they topped the standings with nine wins in 14 games.&nbsp;

South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has led the batting with 443 runs while getting key support from Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard.

Pace bowlers Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah battered the opposition with a combined 43 wickets.&nbsp;

The 2019 champions had already qualified top of the table before they were hammered by Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday and, despite fitness doubts over Sharma, are targeting back-to-back titles for the first time.

<h2>- Delhi Capitals -</h2>

The Ricky Ponting-coached Capitals made a sensational start, winning five of their first six games, before losing four in a row but then beating Bangalore to reach the playoffs.

India opener Shikhar Dhawan is the key batsman and this year became the first player to score two consecutive IPL centuries. But Rishabh Pant, India's new batting hope, has been misfiring.

The South African pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have been impressive with Nortje bowling the fastest ever IPL delivery, a 97 miles per hour (156 kph) thunderbolt, and Rabada leading the IPL wicket-takers with 25 victims.&nbsp;

<h2>- Sunrisers Hyderabad -</h2>

Skipper David Warner came into his own with an unbeaten 85 off 58 balls to take Hyderabad into the playoffs on Tuesday.

The 2016 IPL winners benefited from the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha, who hit two half-centuries in three successive wins to help them to third in the standings.

With West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder contributing and the deadly spin of Rashid Khan, who has taken 19 wickets, Warner will be hoping for the same result in this week's eliminator as in the 2016 final when Hyderabad beat Bangalore to lift the trophy.

<h2>- Royal Challengers Bangalore -</h2>

India captain Virat Kohli has never won an IPL title and it hurts. RCB finished bottom of the eight-team table last year, and after seven wins and seven defeats they scraped into the playoffs on run rate after losing their final match to Hyderabad.

Kohli leads a strong batting line-up, combining with young opener Devdutt Padikkal for 932 runs while South African veteran AB de Villiers has been the go-to man in crunch situations with an overall strike rate of 163.

Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar will be key with their ability to choke an opposition team's run-flow while claiming wickets. Kohli insists his team are worth their place, but said he needs them to be "more brave" when chasing runs.

The Indian Premier League playoffs begin Thursday in the UAE with last year's champions Mumbai as favourites and Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore among the teams looking to cause an upset.

The Indian Premier League playoffs begin Thursday in the UAE with last year's champions Mumbai as favourites and Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore among the teams looking to cause an upset. Surprise package the Delhi Capitals, who like Bangalore are aiming for a first title, will take on the Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier on Thursday with a place in the November 10 final at stake. The losers of that match will get another crack at qualifying on Sunday against either Kohli's Bangalore or Sunrisers Hyderabad, who clash on Friday in an eliminator. AFP Sport looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the four teams still standing in the world's richest Twenty20 league: - Mumbai Indians - Rohit Sharma's four-time champions underlined their status as tournament favourites by being the first team to qualify for the playoffs as they topped the standings with nine wins in 14 games. South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has led the batting with 443 runs while getting key support from Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard. Pace bowlers Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah battered the opposition with a combined 43 wickets. The 2019 champions had already qualified top of the table before they were hammered by Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday and, despite fitness doubts over Sharma, are targeting back-to-back titles for the first time. - Delhi Capitals - The Ricky Ponting-coached Capitals made a sensational start, winning five of their first six games, before losing four in a row but then beating Bangalore to reach the playoffs. India opener Shikhar Dhawan is the key batsman and this year became the first player to score two consecutive IPL centuries. But Rishabh Pant, India's new batting hope, has been misfiring. The South African pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have been impressive with Nortje bowling the fastest ever IPL delivery, a 97 miles per hour (156 kph) thunderbolt, and Rabada leading the IPL wicket-takers with 25 victims. - Sunrisers Hyderabad - Skipper David Warner came into his own with an unbeaten 85 off 58 balls to take Hyderabad into the playoffs on Tuesday. The 2016 IPL winners benefited from the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha, who hit two half-centuries in three successive wins to help them to third in the standings. With West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder contributing and the deadly spin of Rashid Khan, who has taken 19 wickets, Warner will be hoping for the same result in this week's eliminator as in the 2016 final when Hyderabad beat Bangalore to lift the trophy. - Royal Challengers Bangalore - India captain Virat Kohli has never won an IPL title and it hurts. RCB finished bottom of the eight-team table last year, and after seven wins and seven defeats they scraped into the playoffs on run rate after losing their final match to Hyderabad. Kohli leads a strong batting line-up, combining with young opener Devdutt Padikkal for 932 runs while South African veteran AB de Villiers has been the go-to man in crunch situations with an overall strike rate of 163. Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar will be key with their ability to choke an opposition team's run-flow while claiming wickets. Kohli insists his team are worth their place, but said he needs them to be "more brave" when chasing runs.

IPL final four: Mumbai again, or can Kohli cause an upset?

Defending champions Mumbai Indians ended the group stage action in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a>&nbsp;2020 with a top-spot finish with 18 points to their name as they became the first team to qualify to the playoffs of IPL 2020 playoffs.

With Mumbai Indians finishing first and Delhi Capitals finishing second, two teams will lock horns in the Qualifier 1 of IPL 2020 on Thursday. Ahead of their first qualifier, Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond said no side wants to face MI in knockout games due to the match-winning players they have at their helm.

The likes of Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are in sensational form with the bat and have notched up over 400 runs in the ongoing IPL 2020. Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah have led the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack impressively and are in race for the Purple Cap.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-playoffs-qualifier-1-eliminator-schedule-dates-venues-and-more-340451">IPL 2020 Playoffs: Qualifier 1, Eliminator - Schedule, dates, venues and more</a>

“Our bowling line up is also as good as anyone in the tournament and I think we are the team that no one really wants to play because they know we play well and we can do some damage. We have won tight games and that makes a huge difference," Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond said in a virtual press conference.

After resting some key players in their last league game against SRH, MI suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat. However, Bond is not worried about the outcome of the match against SRH, which was a dead rubber for the Mumbai outfit.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unfit-for-australia-fit-for-ipl-rohit-injury-intrigues-many-340418" hreflang="en">Unfit for Australia, fit for IPL: Rohit injury intrigues many</a>

“Obviously, we did not play well against SRH but it was one of those days where we knew we have qualified so the game did not have any impact on our tournament. I think everybody is excited about what awaits us against the Delhi Capitals and we are looking forward to it," he added.

“I think both of our boys enjoyed the rest and we now have our bowling squad and everybody has played a game so it puts us in a really good position," Bond said. 
&nbsp;

Defending champions Mumbai Indians ended the group stage action in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with a top-spot finish with 18 points to their name as they became the first team to qualify to the playoffs of IPL 2020 playoffs.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians ended the group stage action in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with a top-spot finish with 18 points to their name as they became the first team to qualify to the playoffs of IPL 2020 playoffs. With Mumbai Indians finishing first and Delhi Capitals finishing second, two teams will lock horns in the Qualifier 1 of IPL 2020 on Thursday. Ahead of their first qualifier, Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond said no side wants to face MI in knockout games due to the match-winning players they have at their helm. The likes of Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are in sensational form with the bat and have notched up over 400 runs in the ongoing IPL 2020. Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah have led the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack impressively and are in race for the Purple Cap. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 Playoffs: Qualifier 1, Eliminator - Schedule, dates, venues and more “Our bowling line up is also as good as anyone in the tournament and I think we are the team that no one really wants to play because they know we play well and we can do some damage. We have won tight games and that makes a huge difference," Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond said in a virtual press conference. After resting some key players in their last league game against SRH, MI suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat. However, Bond is not worried about the outcome of the match against SRH, which was a dead rubber for the Mumbai outfit. ALSO READ: Unfit for Australia, fit for IPL: Rohit injury intrigues many “Obviously, we did not play well against SRH but it was one of those days where we knew we have qualified so the game did not have any impact on our tournament. I think everybody is excited about what awaits us against the Delhi Capitals and we are looking forward to it," he added. “I think both of our boys enjoyed the rest and we now have our bowling squad and everybody has played a game so it puts us in a really good position," Bond said.

IPL 2020: No one wants to face Mumbai Indians, says Shane Bond ahead of MI vs DC Qualifier 1

Sunrisers Hyderabad are looking for a desperate win against Mumbai Indians in the final league stage match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday so that they qualify for the playoffs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-sunrisers-hyderabad-take-on-mumbai-indians-to-seal-playoff-spot-340109">IPL 2020: Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Mumbai Indians to seal playoff spot</a>

With Mumbai being in a safe spot, cricketing-turned analyst Brian Lara feels that SRH might catch them off guard and pull a surprise.&nbsp;

"Yeah, definitely. They (SRH) found themselves in this position and that’s from good playing in their recent games. So, I expect them to actually be up for the challenge," said Lara on Star Sports show Cricket Live.

"Mumbai Indians may be easing off, rest a few players which will favour SRH, but I think they have got to be ready for this quarter-final and for the rest of the tournament. If they win, they are in and I think they have got what it takes to do so," the former Windies skipper added.

Sunrisers have found some form in the latter stages of the tournament. They currently sit on the fifth spot and a win against Mumbai will help them jump to the third spot knocking Kolkata out of the race. Wriddhiman Saha has found his form at a crucial moment for Sunrisers and has played a crucial role in the past two matches.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians have been dominant this season. Despite losing their skipper Rohit Sharma to an injury, Kieron Pollard and Co. have played great cricket. They are currently top the table and if they win against SRH, it would set a tone before they enter the play-off. MI's bowling unit has been lethal at Sharjah. They have restricted the opposition to very low scores. Opening pair of Ishan Kishan and Quinton de Kock has been one of the best in this tournament.&nbsp;

Sunrisers Hyderabad are looking for a desperate win against Mumbai Indians in the final league stage match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday so that they qualify for the playoffs.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are looking for a desperate win against Mumbai Indians in the final league stage match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday so that they qualify for the playoffs. Also read: IPL 2020: Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Mumbai Indians to seal playoff spot With Mumbai being in a safe spot, cricketing-turned analyst Brian Lara feels that SRH might catch them off guard and pull a surprise. "Yeah, definitely. They (SRH) found themselves in this position and that’s from good playing in their recent games. So, I expect them to actually be up for the challenge," said Lara on Star Sports show Cricket Live. "Mumbai Indians may be easing off, rest a few players which will favour SRH, but I think they have got to be ready for this quarter-final and for the rest of the tournament. If they win, they are in and I think they have got what it takes to do so," the former Windies skipper added. Sunrisers have found some form in the latter stages of the tournament. They currently sit on the fifth spot and a win against Mumbai will help them jump to the third spot knocking Kolkata out of the race. Wriddhiman Saha has found his form at a crucial moment for Sunrisers and has played a crucial role in the past two matches. Mumbai Indians have been dominant this season. Despite losing their skipper Rohit Sharma to an injury, Kieron Pollard and Co. have played great cricket. They are currently top the table and if they win against SRH, it would set a tone before they enter the play-off. MI's bowling unit has been lethal at Sharjah. They have restricted the opposition to very low scores. Opening pair of Ishan Kishan and Quinton de Kock has been one of the best in this tournament.

'I think they have got what it takes': Brian Lara thinks SRH might catch MI off guard

David Warner's 'hopeful' Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on Kieron Pollard's 'dominant' Mumbai Indians in the final league stage match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

David Warner's 'hopeful' Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on Kieron Pollard's 'dominant' Mumbai Indians in the final league stage match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. This match will seal the final playoff spot of IPL 2020. Sunrisers have found some form in the latter stages of the tournament. They currently sit on the fifth spot and a win against Mumbai will help them jump to the third spot knocking Kolkata out of the race. Wriddhiman Saha has found his form at a crucial moment for Sunrisers and has played a crucial role in the past two matches. Also read: Delhi Capitals seal second spot in IPL play-offs, Royal Challengers Bangalore qualify too Mumbai Indians have been dominant this season. Despite losing their skipper Rohit Sharma to an injury, Kieron Pollard and Co. have played great cricket. They are currently top the table and if they win against SRH, it would set a tone before they enter the play-off. MI's bowling unit has been lethal at Sharjah. They have restricted the opposition to very low scores. Opening pair of Ishan Kishan and Quinton de Kock has been one of the best in this tournament. Probable XI: SRH: David Warner (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson, Abdul Samad, Jason Holder, Abhishek Sharma, Rashid Khan, Shahbaz Nadeem, Sandeep Sharma, T Natarajan MI: Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock/Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Kieron Pollard (c), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mitchell McClenaghan

IPL 2020: Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Mumbai Indians to seal playoff spot

Batting legend Rahul Dravid, often dubbed as 'The Wall', has been crucial in grooming India's next generation in the sport. His coaching stints for the U-19 team and India A have been lauded by many.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-no-say-ravi-shastri-reacts-to-rohit-sharmas-omission-from-indian-squad-for-australia-tour-339405" hreflang="en">'I have no say': Ravi Shastri reacts to Rohit Sharma's omission from Indian squad for Australia tour</a>

Mumbai Indians' young gun Ishan Kishan, who played an amazing knock of unbeaten 74 &nbsp;in 47 balls to help them win against Delhi Capitals on Saturday. Kishan recalled Dravid's advice after the win. According to the young player, Dravid's advice helped him in the UAE during IPL 2020.

"My mom must get the credit for the food she gives me, that makes me so powerful, and sometimes even I’m surprised how my sixes carry such a long way," Kishan said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"My coaches told me that playing shots on the off-side is important, and that wasn’t my strength initially, and I knew, even Rahul sir told me that I need to work on my off-side shots so I’ve been working on that this season and thankfully it’s showing in the match situation now,” he further added.

"It was not as easy as it looked. The ball wasn’t coming on so I had to keep rotating the strike and then take them apart later. It all depends on the practice sessions, and how you train I wanted to keep my shape and hit sixes," Ishna Kishan said.

On being asked if he likes batting as an opener, Ishan Kishan said: "I enjoy batting everywhere, wherever the management wants me to bat. At this level you have to be able to adapt."

Batting legend Rahul Dravid, often dubbed as 'The Wall', has been crucial in grooming India's next generation in the sport. His coaching stints for the U-19 team and India A have been lauded by many.

Batting legend Rahul Dravid, often dubbed as 'The Wall', has been crucial in grooming India's next generation in the sport. His coaching stints for the U-19 team and India A have been lauded by many. Also read: 'I have no say': Ravi Shastri reacts to Rohit Sharma's omission from Indian squad for Australia tour Mumbai Indians' young gun Ishan Kishan, who played an amazing knock of unbeaten 74 in 47 balls to help them win against Delhi Capitals on Saturday. Kishan recalled Dravid's advice after the win. According to the young player, Dravid's advice helped him in the UAE during IPL 2020. "My mom must get the credit for the food she gives me, that makes me so powerful, and sometimes even I’m surprised how my sixes carry such a long way," Kishan said at the post-match presentation ceremony. "My coaches told me that playing shots on the off-side is important, and that wasn’t my strength initially, and I knew, even Rahul sir told me that I need to work on my off-side shots so I’ve been working on that this season and thankfully it’s showing in the match situation now,” he further added. "It was not as easy as it looked. The ball wasn’t coming on so I had to keep rotating the strike and then take them apart later. It all depends on the practice sessions, and how you train I wanted to keep my shape and hit sixes," Ishna Kishan said. On being asked if he likes batting as an opener, Ishan Kishan said: "I enjoy batting everywhere, wherever the management wants me to bat. At this level you have to be able to adapt."

'Sir told me...': Ishan Kishan talks about Rahul Dravid's advice that helped him in UAE

Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma has missed out on the fourth consecutive game in the on-going IPL after suffering a hamstring injury during MI’s match against KXIP earlier this month.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-rohit-sharma-play-in-ipl-2020-bcci-official-provides-injury-update-339253" hreflang="en">Will Rohit Sharma play in IPL 2020? BCCI official provides injury update</a>

Despite skipper's absence, Mumbai has dominated the season and is the only team to qualify this season. After a thumping victory over Delhi Capitals, their interim captain Pollard gave a major update on Sharma's injury.&nbsp;

"Rohit is getting better and he’s getting there. Hopefully he’ll be back soon, we’re excited," Pollard said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Earlier, BCCI had given an update on the current situation surrounding Rohit and his injury.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-ishan-steals-the-show-as-mumbai-indians-complete-dominating-win-against-delhi-capitals-339282" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Ishan steals the show as Mumbai Indians complete dominating win against Delhi Capitals</a>

"Rohit will be assessed tomorrow and a call will be taken after that on whether he is good to go. As is the case with hamstring injuries, the real challenge is the sprints and the acceleration and deceleration process will be the focus to understand if he has recovered fully or will need a little more time," the functionary told news agency ANI.

The functionary explained, in a hamstring injury, which isn’t a Grade II tear, a player can walk or even play normal shots but the problem is during quick sprints and running between the wickets.

"See, when you have a hamstring injury which isn't a Grade II tear, you wouldn't have a problem walking or playing normal shots. The area of concern is quick sprints or as you say running between the wickets.

"The hamstring muscles come into play when a person needs to suddenly run a quick single or needs to stop fast and turn at the non-striker's end for a double. While you accelerate at the beginning of the sprint, you decelerate when you need to stop and turn.

This is when the focus is 100 per cent on the functionality of the hamstring muscles. So, if you have recovered completely, you wouldn't have an issue in either acceleration or deceleration."

The Indian team is expected to reach Sydney, Australia on November 12 and Rohit could still cut the all-important tour if he recovers from the injury blow.

Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma has missed out on the fourth consecutive game in the on-going IPL after suffering a hamstring injury during MI’s match against KXIP earlier this month.

Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma has missed out on the fourth consecutive game in the on-going IPL after suffering a hamstring injury during MI’s match against KXIP earlier this month. Also read: Will Rohit Sharma play in IPL 2020? BCCI official provides injury update Despite skipper's absence, Mumbai has dominated the season and is the only team to qualify this season. After a thumping victory over Delhi Capitals, their interim captain Pollard gave a major update on Sharma's injury. "Rohit is getting better and he’s getting there. Hopefully he’ll be back soon, we’re excited," Pollard said at the post-match presentation ceremony. Earlier, BCCI had given an update on the current situation surrounding Rohit and his injury. Also read: IPL 2020: Ishan steals the show as Mumbai Indians complete dominating win against Delhi Capitals "Rohit will be assessed tomorrow and a call will be taken after that on whether he is good to go. As is the case with hamstring injuries, the real challenge is the sprints and the acceleration and deceleration process will be the focus to understand if he has recovered fully or will need a little more time," the functionary told news agency ANI. The functionary explained, in a hamstring injury, which isn’t a Grade II tear, a player can walk or even play normal shots but the problem is during quick sprints and running between the wickets. "See, when you have a hamstring injury which isn't a Grade II tear, you wouldn't have a problem walking or playing normal shots. The area of concern is quick sprints or as you say running between the wickets. "The hamstring muscles come into play when a person needs to suddenly run a quick single or needs to stop fast and turn at the non-striker's end for a double. While you accelerate at the beginning of the sprint, you decelerate when you need to stop and turn. This is when the focus is 100 per cent on the functionality of the hamstring muscles. So, if you have recovered completely, you wouldn't have an issue in either acceleration or deceleration." The Indian team is expected to reach Sydney, Australia on November 12 and Rohit could still cut the all-important tour if he recovers from the injury blow.

'We’re excited': Kieron Pollard gives a major update on Rohit Sharma's injury

Mumbai Indians on Saturday defeated Delhi Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium by 9 wickets as they continue their dominating run in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. This was Delhi Capitals’ third consecutive defeat in the tournament and are yet to qualify for the playoffs. Delhi Capitals managed to post just 110 runs in 20 overs and it turned out to be a cakewalk for Mumbai Indians as they reached the total in just 14.2 overs.

With the win, Mumbai Indians have now 18 points to their name and are sitting comfortably at the top of IPL 2020 table.

Bowling first in Dubai, Mumbai Indians bowlers wreaked havoc with the new ball and sent the openers packing soon. While Shikhar Dhawan scored yet another duck, Prithvi Shaw continued his horror run and was dismissed for 10 by Trent Boult.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-rohit-sharma-play-in-ipl-2020-bcci-official-provides-injury-update-339253" hreflang="en">Will Rohit Sharma play in IPL 2020? BCCI official provides injury update</a>

<h2>First win in six IPL games for MI in Dubai</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Lost by 7 wkts vs RCB, 2014</li>
	<li>Lost by 7 wkts vs CSK, 2014</li>
	<li>Lost by 15 runs vs SRH, 2014</li>
	<li>Lost Super Over vs RCB, 2020</li>
	<li>Lost Super Over vs KXIP, 2020</li>
	<li>Won by 9 wkts vs DC, 2020</li>
</ul>

Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant tried stitching a partnership but fell short as the duo was also dismissed by Rahul Chahar and Jasprit Bumrah respectively. All of Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Harshal Patel all failed with the bat with scores of 2, 11 and 5 respectively as they just managed to post 110/9 in 20 overs.

Mumbai Indians openers Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan started in front foot and dominated the proceedings from the word go. Even after de Kock departed following a quick-fire start, Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav continued to hurt Delhi Capitals bowlers. While QDK posted 26 off 28, Kishan stole the show with an unbeaten 72 off 47 to guide MI to a thumping nine-wicket win over DC. 
&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians on Saturday defeated Delhi Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium by 9 wickets as they continue their dominating run in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Mumbai Indians on Saturday defeated Delhi Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium by 9 wickets as they continue their dominating run in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. This was Delhi Capitals’ third consecutive defeat in the tournament and are yet to qualify for the playoffs. Delhi Capitals managed to post just 110 runs in 20 overs and it turned out to be a cakewalk for Mumbai Indians as they reached the total in just 14.2 overs. With the win, Mumbai Indians have now 18 points to their name and are sitting comfortably at the top of IPL 2020 table. Bowling first in Dubai, Mumbai Indians bowlers wreaked havoc with the new ball and sent the openers packing soon. While Shikhar Dhawan scored yet another duck, Prithvi Shaw continued his horror run and was dismissed for 10 by Trent Boult. ALSO READ: Will Rohit Sharma play in IPL 2020? BCCI official provides injury update First win in six IPL games for MI in Dubai Lost by 7 wkts vs RCB, 2014 Lost by 7 wkts vs CSK, 2014 Lost by 15 runs vs SRH, 2014 Lost Super Over vs RCB, 2020 Lost Super Over vs KXIP, 2020 Won by 9 wkts vs DC, 2020 Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant tried stitching a partnership but fell short as the duo was also dismissed by Rahul Chahar and Jasprit Bumrah respectively. All of Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Harshal Patel all failed with the bat with scores of 2, 11 and 5 respectively as they just managed to post 110/9 in 20 overs. Mumbai Indians openers Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan started in front foot and dominated the proceedings from the word go. Even after de Kock departed following a quick-fire start, Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav continued to hurt Delhi Capitals bowlers. While QDK posted 26 off 28, Kishan stole the show with an unbeaten 72 off 47 to guide MI to a thumping nine-wicket win over DC.

IPL 2020: Ishan steals the show as Mumbai Indians complete dominating win against Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals are set to take on Mumbai Indians at the Dubai International Stadium as the action continues in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. Both DC and MI are fighting for the top 2 spots in the playoff race and ahead of the match, both the teams are placed in the table with 14 points each.&nbsp;

However, due to the tightly-contested IPL 2020, neither of DC nor MI have secured their playoff spot yet. After the match, the qualification scenario will be clearer for the winning team. Win the match and secure the playoff spot, the situation is clear for both MI and DC.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-gayle-fined-for-flinging-bat-after-missing-ipl-century-339206">Chris Gayle fined for flinging bat after missing IPL century</a>

The Dubai pitch has somewhat slowed down in the second phase of IPL 2020 and not many runs are expected from the match. But given the firepower in both DC and MI’s batting line-up, any score is possible if the batters get going in the afternoon match in Dubai.

<h2>DC vs MI: Head-to-head stats</h2>

Talking about head-to-head clashes between DC and MI, Delhi Capitals have won 12 matches with Mumbai Indians having a slight edge with 13 wins. However, in the UAE both the teams have come victorious against each other once. In the last five matches, Delhi Capitals have won three matches while Mumbai Indians have managed to win the other two.

<h2>DC vs MI, IPL 2020 Squads:</h2>

Mumbai Indians Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard(c), James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Dhawal Kulkarni, Aditya Tare, Rohit Sharma, Mitchell McClenaghan, Chris Lynn, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jayant Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai

Delhi Capitals Squad: Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Ravichandran Ashwin, Tushar Deshpande, Anrich Nortje, Harshal Patel, Mohit Sharma, Alex Carey, Avesh Khan, Praveen Dubey, Sandeep Lamichhane, Keemo Paul, Prithvi Shaw, Daniel Sams, Lalit Yadav

Delhi Capitals are set to take on Mumbai Indians at the Dubai International Stadium as the action continues in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Both DC and MI are fighting for the top 2 spots in the playoff race and ahead of the match, both the teams are placed in the table with 14 points each.

Delhi Capitals are set to take on Mumbai Indians at the Dubai International Stadium as the action continues in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Both DC and MI are fighting for the top 2 spots in the playoff race and ahead of the match, both the teams are placed in the table with 14 points each. However, due to the tightly-contested IPL 2020, neither of DC nor MI have secured their playoff spot yet. After the match, the qualification scenario will be clearer for the winning team. Win the match and secure the playoff spot, the situation is clear for both MI and DC. ALSO READ: Chris Gayle fined for flinging bat after missing IPL century The Dubai pitch has somewhat slowed down in the second phase of IPL 2020 and not many runs are expected from the match. But given the firepower in both DC and MI’s batting line-up, any score is possible if the batters get going in the afternoon match in Dubai. DC vs MI: Head-to-head stats Talking about head-to-head clashes between DC and MI, Delhi Capitals have won 12 matches with Mumbai Indians having a slight edge with 13 wins. However, in the UAE both the teams have come victorious against each other once. In the last five matches, Delhi Capitals have won three matches while Mumbai Indians have managed to win the other two. DC vs MI, IPL 2020 Squads: Mumbai Indians Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard(c), James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Dhawal Kulkarni, Aditya Tare, Rohit Sharma, Mitchell McClenaghan, Chris Lynn, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jayant Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai Delhi Capitals Squad: Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Ravichandran Ashwin, Tushar Deshpande, Anrich Nortje, Harshal Patel, Mohit Sharma, Alex Carey, Avesh Khan, Praveen Dubey, Sandeep Lamichhane, Keemo Paul, Prithvi Shaw, Daniel Sams, Lalit Yadav

IPL 2020, DC vs MI Preview: Winner to take playoff qualification spot

Mumbai Indian beats Royal Challengers Bangalore by 5 wickets, with 5 balls to spare, in Match 48 of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, at Abu Dhabi. Devdutt Padikkal’s 45-ball 74 first helped Bangalore reach 164/6. They could have scored more, had Jasprit Bumrah (4-1-14-3) not pegged them back with a double-wicket maiden in the 17th over before conceding just 5 in the 19th. Suryakumar Yadav (79* in 43) then saw Mumbai home.

Michael Vaughan was all in praise of Yadav in My11 Circle Cricbuzz Live: “Suryakumar Yadav was as good as it gets … He hit a boundary whenever he wished. He played cricket shots. There was not really a huge amount of funky [shots], they were just real high-class cricket strokes. Of all the players in the IPL this year, I don’t think I have seen a player play spin with so much ease … Anytime you feel he can hit the boundary.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-suryakumar-yadav-responds-to-india-snub-with-another-match-winning-knock-338718">Suryakumar Yadav responds to India snub with another match-winning knock</a>

Despite his stellar show this season, Yadav has been left out of India’s T20I squad for the Australia tour later this year. Commenting on that, Simon Doull said: “All you can do is continually put your name in the selectors’ minds. There might be some on the bus, on the plane, ahead of you, but if you continually bang that door, at some stage they kind of have to open it up, they have to let you in … He cannot be far away from an India cap.”

Vaughan praised Padikkal: “He is high-class. I am pretty sure within the next few years we will see plenty of him. Not just in the IPL, but he will get international colours … He can go with the pressure, he has got nice awareness of the game situation, he plays spin nicely as well (which you should expect) and also plays the quicks with calmness and control. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, India has found another batsman.” Doull mentioned that Padikkal is also a brilliant slip fielder.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-jasprit-bumrah-achieves-major-landmark-in-t20-cricket-with-virat-kohlis-wicket-338612" hreflang="en">Bumrah achieves major landmark in T20 cricket with Virat Kohli's wicket</a>

Vaughan rated Bumrah as one of the three greatest bowlers in history, along with Lasith Malinga and Rashid Khan.

After 12 matches, Mumbai are on top with 16 points. It will take a chain of improbable results for them to not qualify. RCB are still at second place, level on points but marginally ahead in net run rate (+0.048 to +0.03

Mumbai Indian beats Royal Challengers Bangalore by 5 wickets, with 5 balls to spare, in Match 48 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, at Abu Dhabi. Devdutt Padikkal’s 45-ball 74 first helped Bangalore reach 164/6.

Mumbai Indian beats Royal Challengers Bangalore by 5 wickets, with 5 balls to spare, in Match 48 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, at Abu Dhabi. Devdutt Padikkal’s 45-ball 74 first helped Bangalore reach 164/6. They could have scored more, had Jasprit Bumrah (4-1-14-3) not pegged them back with a double-wicket maiden in the 17th over before conceding just 5 in the 19th. Suryakumar Yadav (79* in 43) then saw Mumbai home. Michael Vaughan was all in praise of Yadav in My11 Circle Cricbuzz Live: “Suryakumar Yadav was as good as it gets … He hit a boundary whenever he wished. He played cricket shots. There was not really a huge amount of funky [shots], they were just real high-class cricket strokes. Of all the players in the IPL this year, I don’t think I have seen a player play spin with so much ease … Anytime you feel he can hit the boundary.” ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav responds to India snub with another match-winning knock Despite his stellar show this season, Yadav has been left out of India’s T20I squad for the Australia tour later this year. Commenting on that, Simon Doull said: “All you can do is continually put your name in the selectors’ minds. There might be some on the bus, on the plane, ahead of you, but if you continually bang that door, at some stage they kind of have to open it up, they have to let you in … He cannot be far away from an India cap.” Vaughan praised Padikkal: “He is high-class. I am pretty sure within the next few years we will see plenty of him. Not just in the IPL, but he will get international colours … He can go with the pressure, he has got nice awareness of the game situation, he plays spin nicely as well (which you should expect) and also plays the quicks with calmness and control. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, India has found another batsman.” Doull mentioned that Padikkal is also a brilliant slip fielder. ALSO READ: Bumrah achieves major landmark in T20 cricket with Virat Kohli's wicket Vaughan rated Bumrah as one of the three greatest bowlers in history, along with Lasith Malinga and Rashid Khan. After 12 matches, Mumbai are on top with 16 points. It will take a chain of improbable results for them to not qualify. RCB are still at second place, level on points but marginally ahead in net run rate (+0.048 to +0.03

IPL 2020: Suryakumar Yadav was as good as it gets, says Michael Vaughan

Mumbai Indians batsman Suryakumar Yadav produced another match-winning knock in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, prompting many to question his absence from India’s limited-overs squads for the upcoming tour of Australia.

Yadav is among the 12 batsmen who have scored 350-plus runs in this year’s IPL and his 155-plus strike rate is second only to Mayank Agarwal in that group.

Two days after the Indian squads for Australia were announced, the 30-year-old smashed an unbeaten 79 in Mumbai Indians’ five-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore led by India captain Virat Kohli.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh was among those who had questioned Yadav’s omission from Australia tour.

“Don’t know what else @surya_14kumar needs to do get picked in the team India ... different people different rules I guess. I request all the selectors to see his records,” Singh tweeted on Tuesday.

After Yadav’s “class” innings against Bangalore, the 40-year-old tweeted “hope selectors are watching him play...”

Mumbai captain Kieron Pollard said Yadav just needed to be patient for his India call-up.

“Deep down inside, he must be very disappointed not getting to don the blue for India but I’m sure he’s very, very close,” Pollard said after Wednesday’s win.

“He’s done some amazing things for us as a franchise, and the most he can do is continue to let the bat talk and score more runs for us and take us all the way.

“If he continues to be this consistent then at some point in time, you are going to get rewarded. Nothing happens before its time, and long may it continue for us as a franchise.”

At least Yadav’s latest effort did not go unnoticed.

While Kohli was at the receiving end of it, India head coach Ravi Shastri hailed the performance on Twitter and advised Yadav to “Stay strong and patient”.

Mumbai Indians batsman Suryakumar Yadav produced another match-winning knock in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, prompting many to question his absence from India’s limited-overs squads for the upcoming tour of Australia.

Mumbai Indians batsman Suryakumar Yadav produced another match-winning knock in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, prompting many to question his absence from India’s limited-overs squads for the upcoming tour of Australia. Yadav is among the 12 batsmen who have scored 350-plus runs in this year’s IPL and his 155-plus strike rate is second only to Mayank Agarwal in that group. Two days after the Indian squads for Australia were announced, the 30-year-old smashed an unbeaten 79 in Mumbai Indians’ five-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore led by India captain Virat Kohli. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh was among those who had questioned Yadav’s omission from Australia tour. “Don’t know what else @surya_14kumar needs to do get picked in the team India ... different people different rules I guess. I request all the selectors to see his records,” Singh tweeted on Tuesday. After Yadav’s “class” innings against Bangalore, the 40-year-old tweeted “hope selectors are watching him play...” Mumbai captain Kieron Pollard said Yadav just needed to be patient for his India call-up. “Deep down inside, he must be very disappointed not getting to don the blue for India but I’m sure he’s very, very close,” Pollard said after Wednesday’s win. “He’s done some amazing things for us as a franchise, and the most he can do is continue to let the bat talk and score more runs for us and take us all the way. “If he continues to be this consistent then at some point in time, you are going to get rewarded. Nothing happens before its time, and long may it continue for us as a franchise.” At least Yadav’s latest effort did not go unnoticed. While Kohli was at the receiving end of it, India head coach Ravi Shastri hailed the performance on Twitter and advised Yadav to “Stay strong and patient”.

IPL 2020: Suryakumar Yadav responds to India snub with another match-winning knock

Mumbai Indians are set to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday as the battle for top 2 spots heats up in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Both MI and RCB are equal in the points table with 14 points under their respective belts in 11 matches. However, better net run-rate means, Mumbai Indians sit atop the IPL 2020 standings. <o:p></o:p>

Both RCB and MI can move a step close to achieving qualification to IPL 2020 playoffs. However, a win this evening still won’t guarantee a spot in playoffs, which resembles how tightly the tournament is being fought by all the teams.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-vs-india-full-schedule-dates-venues-and-all-you-need-to-know-338518" hreflang="en">Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>MI vs RCB: Head-to-head stats</o:p></h2>

Talking about the head-to-head contest between MI and RCB, Mumbai Indians have won 16 matches of the 26 played between the two sides with Royal Challengers Bangalore winning the other 10 encounters.<o:p></o:p>

The last time these two sides met in IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched the match in Super Over in what was a proper humdinger in Dubai.

<o:p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-round-sunrisers-hyderabad-outclass-delhi-capitals-by-88-runs-keep-play-off-hopes-alive-338503" hreflang="en">All-round Sunrisers Hyderabad outclass Delhi Capitals by 88 runs, keep Play-off hopes alive</a>

Conditions have changed since then and Abu Dhabi has assisted the seamers early on and it would be interesting to see what the captain opts to do after winning the toss. <o:p></o:p>

In Abu Dhabi, Mumbai Indians have averaged 187 while batting first while other teams have averaged only 151.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">MI vs RCB, IPL 2020 Squads:<o:p></o:p></h2>

Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers(w), Moeen Ali, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pawan Negi, Umesh Yadav, Josh Philippe, Pavan Deshpande, Adam Zampa, Parthiv Patel, Dale Steyn, Shivam Dube, Isuru Udana<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians Squad: Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard(c), Krunal Pandya, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, Aditya Tare, Mitchell McClenaghan, Chris Lynn, Jayant Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians are set to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday as the battle for top 2 spots heats up in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Mumbai Indians are set to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday as the battle for top 2 spots heats up in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Both MI and RCB are equal in the points table with 14 points under their respective belts in 11 matches. However, better net run-rate means, Mumbai Indians sit atop the IPL 2020 standings. Both RCB and MI can move a step close to achieving qualification to IPL 2020 playoffs. However, a win this evening still won’t guarantee a spot in playoffs, which resembles how tightly the tournament is being fought by all the teams. ALSO READ: Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know MI vs RCB: Head-to-head stats Talking about the head-to-head contest between MI and RCB, Mumbai Indians have won 16 matches of the 26 played between the two sides with Royal Challengers Bangalore winning the other 10 encounters. The last time these two sides met in IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched the match in Super Over in what was a proper humdinger in Dubai. ALSO READ: All-round Sunrisers Hyderabad outclass Delhi Capitals by 88 runs, keep Play-off hopes alive Conditions have changed since then and Abu Dhabi has assisted the seamers early on and it would be interesting to see what the captain opts to do after winning the toss. In Abu Dhabi, Mumbai Indians have averaged 187 while batting first while other teams have averaged only 151. MI vs RCB, IPL 2020 Squads: Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers(w), Moeen Ali, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pawan Negi, Umesh Yadav, Josh Philippe, Pavan Deshpande, Adam Zampa, Parthiv Patel, Dale Steyn, Shivam Dube, Isuru Udana Mumbai Indians Squad: Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard(c), Krunal Pandya, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, Aditya Tare, Mitchell McClenaghan, Chris Lynn, Jayant Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai

IPL 2020, MI vs RCB Preview: Intense battle of top 2 teams expected in Abu Dhabi

England's Ben Stokes smashed an unbeaten 107 to keep Rajasthan Royals in the chase for the Indian Premier League play-offs after their eight-wicket win over holders Mumbai Indians on Sunday.

The win for Steve Smith's Royals knocked the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings out of the final-four race despite their win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match of the day.

Stokes combined with Sanju Samson, who made 54 not out, to put on 152 runs for the third wicket as Royals achieved their target of 196 in 18.2 overs in Abu Dhabi.

The left-handed batsman came into his own, hitting 14 fours and three sixes in his 60-ball knock to help Royals rise to sixth in the eight-team table with five wins from 12 games.

Stokes, who joined his team late this season after spending time with his ill father in New Zealand, hit a six to bring up his second&nbsp;IPL&nbsp;ton and surpassed his previous best score of 103 -- in 2017 -- with the winning boundary.

"It's sort of bittersweet to be honest. Bit taken aback by why it's taken me so long to get into the tournament for the team," said Stokes.

"To be honest the training I've had yesterday was the best I had throughout my time here, so I came into this with a bit of confidence. It was coming on nicely."

The New Zealand-born Stokes, whose father is battling cancer, said: "Things are a bit difficult right now, but hope this has given a bit of happiness back home."

The powerful batting show from the star allrounder, who had scored 110 from five games before this knock, put Hardik Pandya's 21-ball 60 in the shade after Mumbai finished on 195 for five.

Mumbai though still stay top of the table, locked on 14 points with Delhi Capitals and RCB in the fight for a place in the top two. The qualifiers begin on November 5.

England's Ben Stokes smashed an unbeaten 107 to keep Rajasthan Royals in the chase for the Indian Premier League play-offs after their eight-wicket win over holders Mumbai Indians on Sunday.

England's Ben Stokes smashed an unbeaten 107 to keep Rajasthan Royals in the chase for the Indian Premier League play-offs after their eight-wicket win over holders Mumbai Indians on Sunday. The win for Steve Smith's Royals knocked the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings out of the final-four race despite their win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match of the day. Stokes combined with Sanju Samson, who made 54 not out, to put on 152 runs for the third wicket as Royals achieved their target of 196 in 18.2 overs in Abu Dhabi. The left-handed batsman came into his own, hitting 14 fours and three sixes in his 60-ball knock to help Royals rise to sixth in the eight-team table with five wins from 12 games. Stokes, who joined his team late this season after spending time with his ill father in New Zealand, hit a six to bring up his second IPL ton and surpassed his previous best score of 103 -- in 2017 -- with the winning boundary. "It's sort of bittersweet to be honest. Bit taken aback by why it's taken me so long to get into the tournament for the team," said Stokes. "To be honest the training I've had yesterday was the best I had throughout my time here, so I came into this with a bit of confidence. It was coming on nicely." The New Zealand-born Stokes, whose father is battling cancer, said: "Things are a bit difficult right now, but hope this has given a bit of happiness back home." The powerful batting show from the star allrounder, who had scored 110 from five games before this knock, put Hardik Pandya's 21-ball 60 in the shade after Mumbai finished on 195 for five. Mumbai though still stay top of the table, locked on 14 points with Delhi Capitals and RCB in the fight for a place in the top two. The qualifiers begin on November 5.

IPL 2020: Stokes ton keeps Royals in hunt for IPL play-offs, Chennai out

Mumbai Indians' star all-rounder Hardik Pandya became the first player in the on-going Indian Premier League to take the knee and show solidarity to the Black Lives Matter movement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-stokes-ton-keeps-royals-in-hunt-for-ipl-play-offs-chennai-out-337960" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Stokes ton keeps Royals in hunt for IPL play-offs, Chennai out</a>

The Indian player made the gesture after scoring a quick-fire half-century against Rajasthan Royals. He scored an unbeaten 60 runs off 21 balls to power Mumbai to 195 runs by the end of innings. Pandya struck a six to reach his fifty and then he sat down on one knee and raised his right arm. Hardik then pointed towards MI dugout where their interim skipper Kieron Pollard responded with a raised right fist.

Pandya took to Twitter with a caption #BlackLivesMatter and a picture of him kneeling.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackLivesMatter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackLivesMatter</a> <a href="https://t.co/yzUS1bWh7F">pic.twitter.com/yzUS1bWh7F</a>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-bcci-announces-schedule-timings-and-venue-for-playoffs-338033" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: BCCI announces schedule, timings, and venue for playoffs</a>

Hardik's knock went in vain as Rajasthan managed to chase the mammoth total with two overs to spare after Ben Stokes' century.&nbsp;

"I thought they batted well. Hardik brought us straight back in the game with that knock at the halfway stage. We could have got a couple of wickets more, but the wicket ended up becoming a little better. Their spinners got some help from the pitch, but our spinners couldn’t do that. At the end of the day, someone wins, someone loses," Pollard said after the match.

"We just have to come out and play good cricket. Our bowlers tried, but well played to the opposition. He (Hardik) went out and scored 60* off 21, an innings like that and we end up on the losing side, that’s just tough luck," he added.

Mumbai Indians' star all-rounder Hardik Pandya became the first player in the on-going Indian Premier League to take the knee and show solidarity to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Mumbai Indians' star all-rounder Hardik Pandya became the first player in the on-going Indian Premier League to take the knee and show solidarity to the Black Lives Matter movement. Also read: IPL 2020: Stokes ton keeps Royals in hunt for IPL play-offs, Chennai out The Indian player made the gesture after scoring a quick-fire half-century against Rajasthan Royals. He scored an unbeaten 60 runs off 21 balls to power Mumbai to 195 runs by the end of innings. Pandya struck a six to reach his fifty and then he sat down on one knee and raised his right arm. Hardik then pointed towards MI dugout where their interim skipper Kieron Pollard responded with a raised right fist. Pandya took to Twitter with a caption #BlackLivesMatter and a picture of him kneeling. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/yzUS1bWh7F — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) October 25, 2020 × Also read: IPL 2020: BCCI announces schedule, timings, and venue for playoffs Hardik's knock went in vain as Rajasthan managed to chase the mammoth total with two overs to spare after Ben Stokes' century. "I thought they batted well. Hardik brought us straight back in the game with that knock at the halfway stage. We could have got a couple of wickets more, but the wicket ended up becoming a little better. Their spinners got some help from the pitch, but our spinners couldn’t do that. At the end of the day, someone wins, someone loses," Pollard said after the match. "We just have to come out and play good cricket. Our bowlers tried, but well played to the opposition. He (Hardik) went out and scored 60* off 21, an innings like that and we end up on the losing side, that’s just tough luck," he added.

Hardik Pandya becomes first player in IPL 2020 to support #BlackLivesMatter

'Deflated' Rajasthan Royals take on 'dominating' Mumbai Indians in the 45th match of IPL 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Mumbai are on the top of the IPL table with 14 points in the pocket.

'Deflated' Rajasthan Royals take on 'dominating' Mumbai Indians in the 45th match of IPL 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Mumbai are on the top of the IPL table with 14 points in the pocket. They bounced back to winning ways after handing a 10-wicket win over the Chennai Super Kings. Mumbai have seven wins in 10 matches. Bumrah and Boult had a wonderful outing in the last match. Quinton de Kock has been in the form of his life. Ishan Kishan and the Proteas stitched a match-winning partnership to hand Chennai their heaviest defeat in IPL history. Rohit Sharma's availability depends on his fitness, but his absence has not affected Mumbai. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have had a woeful season as they are second-last in the points table. Last time Mumbai and Rajasthan clashed, MI thrashed RR by 57 runs after Suryakumar Yadav’s 79* and Jasprit Bumrah’s four-wicket haul. Rajasthan have four wins and seven losses this season. Their chances to make it into the play-offs look grim and if they lose this one they might be knocked out of the tournament. However, a bowling-friendly venue like Abu Dhabi may help Jofra Archer with the ball. Probable XI: Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma/Saurabh Tiwary, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard (c), Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah Rajasthan Royals: Ben Stokes, Robin Uthappa, Sanju Samson (wk), Steven Smith (c), Jos Buttler, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Ankit Rajpoot, Kartik Tyagi

IPL 2020: 'Deflated' Rajasthan Royals take on 'dominating' Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians thrash Chennai Super Kings by 10 wickets in the 41st match of Indian Premier League at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.&nbsp;

Mumbai won the toss and opted to bowl. Chennai Super Kings very off to a very poor start as they were reduced to 21/5 in the powerplay itself. Sam Curran (52 runs off 47 balls) scored the most runs for CSK and managed them to put up 114 runs on-board at the end of 20 overs. Trent Boult scalped four wickets and conceded just 18 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul Chahar got two wickets each for Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan's 116-run stand ensured an easy victory for Mumbai with 7 overs to spare. With this win, Mumbai goes on top of the IPL table, whereas, CSK's chances to make it into play-offs look very grim as they remain on the bottom of the points tally. &nbsp;

Chennai Super Kings have to win their next three and hope that results from the other teams go their way to make it into the play-offs.

This was the biggest defeat for Chennai Super Kings in terms of balls remaining (46 balls) and also their first ten-wicket defeat; the previous biggest being nine-wicket loss against MI at the Wankhede in 2008.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians thrash Chennai Super Kings by 10 wickets in the 41st match of Indian Premier League at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. Mumbai won the toss and opted to bowl.

Mumbai Indians thrash Chennai Super Kings by 10 wickets in the 41st match of Indian Premier League at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. Mumbai won the toss and opted to bowl. Chennai Super Kings very off to a very poor start as they were reduced to 21/5 in the powerplay itself. Sam Curran (52 runs off 47 balls) scored the most runs for CSK and managed them to put up 114 runs on-board at the end of 20 overs. Trent Boult scalped four wickets and conceded just 18 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul Chahar got two wickets each for Mumbai Indians. Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan's 116-run stand ensured an easy victory for Mumbai with 7 overs to spare. With this win, Mumbai goes on top of the IPL table, whereas, CSK's chances to make it into play-offs look very grim as they remain on the bottom of the points tally. Chennai Super Kings have to win their next three and hope that results from the other teams go their way to make it into the play-offs. This was the biggest defeat for Chennai Super Kings in terms of balls remaining (46 balls) and also their first ten-wicket defeat; the previous biggest being nine-wicket loss against MI at the Wankhede in 2008.

IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians hand heaviest defeat to Chennai Super Kings

Kings XI Punjab end Mumbai's winning streak and can dream of making into the play-offs of the tournament as they beat the Indians in the thrilling second super over the finish in the 36th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to bat first. However, Mumbai were off to a bad start as they were reduced to 38/3 at the end of sixth over. Quinton de Kock was the best batsman for Mumbai tonight as he scored 53 runs off 43 balls. But Pollard and Coulter-Nile's power-hitting powered Mumbai to a respectable 176 runs by the end of 20 overs.&nbsp;

Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, were off to a shaky start as they lost Mayank Agarwal early, but the partnership between Rahul and Gayle was on. But the partnership was broken by Rahul Chahar. Pooran's cameo put Punjab in cruise control. KL Rahul was the best batsman of the night as he scored 77 runs off 51 balls. Deepak Hooda and Chris Jordan tried to take KXIP over the line but failed as they fell short by one run.&nbsp;

Mumbai's luck ran out in the second super over as Punjab chased 12 runs with two balls to spare. &nbsp;

Punjab have been unlucky this season, but they have managed to beat the best in the tournament, and with this win, Punjab goes on the sixth position. &nbsp;The second consecutive win for Kings XI Punjab comes in a crucial moment.&nbsp;

KL Rahul was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Kings XI Punjab end Mumbai's winning streak and can dream of making into the play-offs of the tournament as they beat the Indians in the thrilling second super over the finish in the 36th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Kings XI Punjab end Mumbai's winning streak and can dream of making into the play-offs of the tournament as they beat the Indians in the thrilling second super over the finish in the 36th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to bat first. However, Mumbai were off to a bad start as they were reduced to 38/3 at the end of sixth over. Quinton de Kock was the best batsman for Mumbai tonight as he scored 53 runs off 43 balls. But Pollard and Coulter-Nile's power-hitting powered Mumbai to a respectable 176 runs by the end of 20 overs. Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, were off to a shaky start as they lost Mayank Agarwal early, but the partnership between Rahul and Gayle was on. But the partnership was broken by Rahul Chahar. Pooran's cameo put Punjab in cruise control. KL Rahul was the best batsman of the night as he scored 77 runs off 51 balls. Deepak Hooda and Chris Jordan tried to take KXIP over the line but failed as they fell short by one run. Mumbai's luck ran out in the second super over as Punjab chased 12 runs with two balls to spare. Punjab have been unlucky this season, but they have managed to beat the best in the tournament, and with this win, Punjab goes on the sixth position. The second consecutive win for Kings XI Punjab comes in a crucial moment. KL Rahul was adjudged the Man of the Match.

IPL 2020: Punjab end Mumbai's winning streak in a thrilling super over finish

Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard feels that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has taken over the mantle from Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga to become the lynchpin of the four-time IPL champions' bowling attack.

After picking up the crucial wickets of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Nicholas Pooran in the stipulated 20 overs, Bumrah (3/24) bowled an excellent Super Over against Kings XI Punjab, conceding just five runs.

However, it was not enough as Mohammad Shami bowled an equally impressive over to lead the match to a second Super Over in which KXIP snatched a win at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

"He's a world-class cricketer. He has been number one in a couple of formats for a long period of time. He has learned and has grown leaps and bounds for us at Mumbai Indians...We have comfort in him," Pollard said at the post-match press conference.

"A couple of years ago, we had a fit and fair Lasith Malinga and he (Bumrah) has taken over that mantle now," he added. 
Malinga, the highest wicket-taker in the IPL, opted out this year citing personal reasons. 
Chasing five runs in the first Super Over, skipper Rohit Sharma and Quinton De Kock failed to take MI across the finish line.

In the second Super Over, Pollard and Hardik Pandya helped the defending champions score 11 runs.

"Obviously there are decision-makers to make the decision, you know we can look at those things and say that's where we lost the game but we played a very good game of cricket. We batted well," said Pollard.

Mumbai have lost two games via Super Overs. They were defeated by Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier in the tournament. 
Their five-match winning streak broken by KXIP, the defending champions are placed second with 12 points.

"Just a matter of improvement, each and every time we step on the cricket field it is to improve and to do better. We will look back and analyse the game and we will come up with a better plan and hopefully get two points in the next game," said the all-rounder. 
KXIP pacer Chris Jordan, who bowled the second Super Over for his team, was delighted to be on the winning side.

"I feel like the way we have played a lot of our games this season, they could have been very easily ended with us on the winning side," Jordan said during the post-match press conference.

"Unfortunately, that was not the case. I think from the last two games, specially the kind of team spirit and camaraderie we have shown as an entire team and entire franchise has been second to none.

"Just glad that we have a little bit of luck going our way now but we can't rest on that," he added.

Jordon conceded 11 runs of the second Super Over. Chris Gayle then hit the first ball bowled by Trent Boult for a six before opener Mayank Agarwal cracked successive fours as KXIP notched up an incredible win to keep their IPL play-off hopes alive.

The presence of the big-hitting Gayle in the playing XI has also inspired the team.

"You can see the impact the legend himself, Gayle, made in the last two games. Hitting a fifty after not playing for a while and then finish off the game in the Super Over for us. It is great to have, what I considered to be a great of the game, in our team. His energy is unbelievable," Jordan said.

KXIP have got the better of MI and RCB in their last two games, however, KL Rahul and his men have been guilty of making their run chases too close and the pacer hopes his side can close in matches quicker.

"If we want to take it to the next level, we have got to keep doing simple things and hopefully finish off games a bit quick as well," Jordan added.

Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard feels that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has taken over the mantle from Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga to become the lynchpin of the four-time IPL champions' bowling attack.

Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard feels that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has taken over the mantle from Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga to become the lynchpin of the four-time IPL champions' bowling attack. After picking up the crucial wickets of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Nicholas Pooran in the stipulated 20 overs, Bumrah (3/24) bowled an excellent Super Over against Kings XI Punjab, conceding just five runs. However, it was not enough as Mohammad Shami bowled an equally impressive over to lead the match to a second Super Over in which KXIP snatched a win at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. "He's a world-class cricketer. He has been number one in a couple of formats for a long period of time. He has learned and has grown leaps and bounds for us at Mumbai Indians...We have comfort in him," Pollard said at the post-match press conference. "A couple of years ago, we had a fit and fair Lasith Malinga and he (Bumrah) has taken over that mantle now," he added. Malinga, the highest wicket-taker in the IPL, opted out this year citing personal reasons. Chasing five runs in the first Super Over, skipper Rohit Sharma and Quinton De Kock failed to take MI across the finish line. In the second Super Over, Pollard and Hardik Pandya helped the defending champions score 11 runs. "Obviously there are decision-makers to make the decision, you know we can look at those things and say that's where we lost the game but we played a very good game of cricket. We batted well," said Pollard. Mumbai have lost two games via Super Overs. They were defeated by Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier in the tournament. Their five-match winning streak broken by KXIP, the defending champions are placed second with 12 points. "Just a matter of improvement, each and every time we step on the cricket field it is to improve and to do better. We will look back and analyse the game and we will come up with a better plan and hopefully get two points in the next game," said the all-rounder. KXIP pacer Chris Jordan, who bowled the second Super Over for his team, was delighted to be on the winning side. "I feel like the way we have played a lot of our games this season, they could have been very easily ended with us on the winning side," Jordan said during the post-match press conference. "Unfortunately, that was not the case. I think from the last two games, specially the kind of team spirit and camaraderie we have shown as an entire team and entire franchise has been second to none. "Just glad that we have a little bit of luck going our way now but we can't rest on that," he added. Jordon conceded 11 runs of the second Super Over. Chris Gayle then hit the first ball bowled by Trent Boult for a six before opener Mayank Agarwal cracked successive fours as KXIP notched up an incredible win to keep their IPL play-off hopes alive. The presence of the big-hitting Gayle in the playing XI has also inspired the team. "You can see the impact the legend himself, Gayle, made in the last two games. Hitting a fifty after not playing for a while and then finish off the game in the Super Over for us. It is great to have, what I considered to be a great of the game, in our team. His energy is unbelievable," Jordan said. KXIP have got the better of MI and RCB in their last two games, however, KL Rahul and his men have been guilty of making their run chases too close and the pacer hopes his side can close in matches quicker. "If we want to take it to the next level, we have got to keep doing simple things and hopefully finish off games a bit quick as well," Jordan added.

IPL 2020: Bumrah has taken over the mantle from Malinga, says Pollard

Dominating Mumbai Indians take on the deflated Kings XI Punjab in the 36th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Stadium in the second match of double-header Sunday.

Dominating Mumbai Indians take on the deflated Kings XI Punjab in the 36th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Stadium in the second match of double-header Sunday. Mumbai Indians currently sit on the second position with six wins and two losses. Mumbai comes into this match after winning five consecutive games. Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma have been in-form for Mumbai Indians and will be looking in maintain that form in Sharjah. The Mumbai Indians won the previous fixture against Kings XI Punjab by 48 runs. Chahar, Bumrah and Pattinson have been lethal with the ball and will trouble KXIP batsmen. The return of Universe Boss has motivated the Kings XI as they bounced back to winning ways after beating them by 8 wickets. All they need to do is win every match to dream of playoffs. Rahul, Agarwal and Gayle have been in form for the Kings XI Punjab. The bowlers have not had a great outing, but Shami might trouble the Mumbai openers with his lethal pace. KXIP are at the bottom of the table with six losses and just two wins. Probable XI: Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult/Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul (c/wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, K Gowtham, Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh

IPL 2020: Dominating Mumbai Indians take on deflated Kings XI Punjab

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