Vivo IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians still have enough chance to qualify for playoffs: Kevin Peterson

Mumbai Indians still have enough chance to qualify for playoffs: Kevin Peterson.

Vivo IPL 2021: Former Englishmen Kevin Peterson has shown his belief in Mumbai Indians (MI) squad, which according to Peterson is most likely to take up the fourth vacant spot in the playoffs this season. Despite undergoing a slow start, MI made a turnaround with their first win against Punjab Kings (PBKS) recently where Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Kieron Pollard alarmed their arrival back into the form.

In his recent blog in betway, he fancied besides Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI) will be the fourth team to get their berth reserved for the final four of the Vivo IPL 2021.

“The IPL is heating up really nicely now, with the race for that fourth play-off spot well and truly on. Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Capitals will qualify, but there are four other teams vying to join them in the play-offs. I wrote before the resumption of the IPL that Mumbai Indians need to avoid their typical slow start if they are to retain the title this year.”

“Well, they did start slowly, but I think they might have turned it around just in time. After they beat Punjab Kings on Tuesday, I fancy them to take that fourth spot now. Their match-winners are coming into form. Hardik Pandya was in the runs, Jasprit Bumrah was in the wickets and Kieron Pollard did a bit of both,” he added.

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The former English batter further said that if somehow Mumbai manages to advance to the next stage of the IPL 2021, they will impose a serious threat to the other three teams. 

Knowing MI’s track record in the final stage of the cash-rich Indian tournament, the other three franchises would definitely not afford to take the franchise lightly. 

Jasprit Bumrah bowled beautifully in his quota of four overs against PBKS. All-rounder Hardik Pandya was amongst the runs in the match. Moreover, Kieron Pollard delivered with both bat and ball when he was asked to. 

Heaping praise on Kieron Pollard’s performance, Peterson said:

“He took a crucial wicket in his one over, just when it was asked of him, and he smashed 15 off seven to take his side home. Things are just starting to turn for them, and if they get themselves into the knock-out stages then anything is possible.”

The five times champion side is placed fifth in the points table with 10 points from 11 matches. Rohit Sharma and Co. will play out their next match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Sharjah.

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