LONDON: Former England captain Kevin Pietersen says defending champions Mumbai Indians can’t tolerate a moderately slow start when IPL resume and M S DhoniChennai Super Kings have a “fantastic shot” to clinch the title after a poor 2020 season. Four-time winners Mumbai Indians, two-time champions Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and 2020 finalists Delhi Capitals were named at the top- four when the IPL was suspended in May due to COVID cases in its bio-bubble Was.
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T20 league is starting from this weekend. “Everyone would expect the holders of the competition, Mumbai Indians to do well, but they do not have a good running history in the field. They lose their first few games and then do well at the end of the tournament,” Pietersen wrote in a blog at betway.com.
“We are already towards the end of the tournament. Mumbai cannot afford to lose three or four games before they start playing because there is very little time to play catch-up. “If they have to retain their crown, they have to be on it from the very first ball. Obviously, the talent they have, they are capable of doing it.” The Super Kings, called ‘Dad’s Army’ because most of the players on the team are over 30, performed poorly in 2020 when they finished. United at the bottom but Pietersen feels Dhoni’s team can go all out this time.
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“Everyone wrote to CSK’s Old Boys Army before the IPL started in April, so it was a bit surprising to see them go so well. Their overseas players Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran especially delivered the goods,” he wrote. But I am not sure this four-month absence will suit him. It may take him a while. Crank back into gear. To do, especially older players.
“If they are ready, it could be a historic few weeks for the franchise. They have a great shot at winning a title that everyone knew beyond them.” Four-time Ashes winner Pietersen also backed the England players after reports emerged that several English players could boycott the Ashes due to strict quarantine rules. Australia in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s going to be very interesting to see how this situation develops with the Ashes. Players don’t want to be away from families for months, especially when they are confined to a bubble of life,” he said.
“I know if I hadn’t taken my family on the Ashes tour, there would have been no way out. “I sympathize with all the players in that position. It is very exciting to play down the Ashes, but they are being put in a very difficult position.” The Ashes is scheduled to be held in December this year.
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