The Mumbai Indians sit comfortable at the top of the points table with 18 points. The defending champions have so far played 13 games, won 9 and lost 4 games. They have won more game left which is inconsequential to them in terms of the points as no other team will be able to get to 18.
Mumbai Indians First Team To Qualify
The Mumbai Indians used both their experience and talent to not only ensure that they qualify for the 2020 IPL playoffs but to also ensure that they finish on top of the table. Finishing in first place is a big plus for any IPL franchise as it books them a place in Qualifier 1. Whichever team loses in Qualifier 1, will get another opportunity as they get to play the winner of the Eliminator game.
Given Mumbai’s consistency this season, it is highly unlikely that they will lose back to back games. This is why the bookmakers have the Mumbai Indians as the favorites to win the 2020 IPL Championship.
It will take a couple more days for the remaining three teams to qualify as the race for spots two, three and four are still open. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Chargers currently have 14 points each with one game to play. The two sides will face off on October 2 to decide which team will settle in at number 2.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be kicking themselves as they had a great chance to qualify but squandered that opportunity and now find themselves stuck on 14 points after playing their allotted 14 games. KKR will need the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to lose their final game in order to qualify.
If SRH end up winning their final game, they will get an additional 2 points and join KKR on 14 points. It will then come down to the net run rate to see whether KKR or SRH qualify as the fourth and final team.
Mumbai Indians Too Powerful To Beat
While IPL fans focus on the next few games too which teams join the Mumbai Indians in the playoffs, Mumbai will be able to take things easy and prepare for Qualifier 1 which will take place on Nov 5 in Dubai.
Mumbai will use their final game against SRH on Nov 3 to work on their plans for the IPL playoffs. While there is no pressure on Mumbai to win this game, they will want to finish off with a win and take the momentum into the playoffs.
Mumbai has been hard to beat during this IPL edition as they have once again shown depth in both the batting and bowling departments. Their last game against the Delhi Capitals over the weekend saw them put in a dominating performance that gave them a 9 wicket win.
The absence of their captain Rohit Sharma for the last few games has not slowed down the defending champions as Kieron Pollard has done a good job with the squad.
Will Rohit Sharma Play Qualifier 1?
The big question that Mumbai Indians fans want answered is whether Rohit Sharma will be back to captain the side in Qualifier 1. Sharma is currently nursing an injury that the BCCI has deemed serious enough to not include him for India’s tour of Australia.
However, the Mumbai Indians have posted pictures on social media showing the skipper practicing in full flight. He will most likely sit out the game against SRH and quite possibly Qualifier 1. If Mumbai end up losing Qualifier 1, he will likely play in Qualifier 2 and see if he can lead Mumbai Indians to their 5th IPL Championship.
