The 4-time IPL champions have played like one this year too. They seem to be a well-oiled unit where each player knows their role pretty well.
When they lost their first game against CSK, there were concerns about will they again start slow in the tournament. But those fears were quickly put to rest with their huge win over KKR.
Even though they lost a close game against RCB (they lost to them in a super over) they were clinical with their wins against other teams and we’re getting better with every game. Their loss to KXIP (once again in a super over) can be seen as an aberration.
So what makes them so special and difficult to beat?
It is their mindset which separates them from other teams. Their openers get them off to good starts, their middle-order consolidates nicely, and lays a foundation for the famed trio of finishers (Pollard and the Pandya brothers).
If you think batting is their strength then have a look at their bowling resources. Bumrah, Boult, and Pattinson have formed the most fearsome pace trio in recent times. Their spin department though inexperienced makes it up with their street smartness. It is really difficult to find an issue with the team.
They play every game like champions and don’t give their opponents an inch. Owing to a clutter-free mindset, settled roles for players, MI can put one good show after the other fairly regularly.
Their head coach Mahela Jayawardene is a no-nonsense individual and his clarity compliments Rohit Sharma’s style of captaincy too.
All these factors result in MI playing a brand of Cricket which is way different than the others.
